Labour MPs plot new push to axe cap on child benefit after Commons rebellion

LABOUR MPs were today planning a fresh push at the autumn Budget to axe the two-child benefit limit after Sir Keir Starmer suspended seven backbenchers who rebelled against the Government on the issue.

- Nicholas Cecil

Two London MPs, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and Apsana Begum, were among the Labour backbenchers who voted for a Scottish National Party motion, during a King’s Speech debate, to scrap the benefits restriction.

They were stripped of the parliamentary whip as Sir Keir imposed his authority on the party in the early days of the Labour government.

Poplar and Limehouse MP Ms Begum tweeted: “I voted against the two-child benefit cap which has contributed to rising and deepening levels of child poverty and food insecurity for many East End families.”