Dawn Butler, MP for Brent East, has voted to scrap the two-child limit in Parliament, lifting 450,000 children across the UK out of poverty.
Speaking after the second reading of the Bill, Dawn said:
“I am proud to have voted this week to abolish the Tories’ two-child benefit cap. From April, it will lift 6,860 children out of poverty here in Brent East, giving families the dignity and support they deserve. This is the fair choice and an essential investment in our country’s future under this Labour Government.
That is why I am proud that my campaign on gambling harms, to give more power to Councils and residents, has helped to secure the money to fund this abolition through the newly increased gambling taxes.
Growing up in poverty means children are less likely to do well at school – with less than a quarter of children in the lowest income households getting five good GCSEs. They are also four times more likely to experience mental health conditions. And more likely to not be in education, employment, or training.
By voting to end the two-child limit, we are giving children in Brent and beyond the opportunity they need to succeed in life.”
Removing the two-child limit is the single quickest and most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty – 450,000 by this measure alone, rising to 550,000 with other measures in the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy.
Other measures in the Child Poverty Strategy include support for working families to stop children growing up in B&Bs, expanding childcare for families on UC and helping parents save up to £500 on baby formula.
Measures in the Bill are due to come into effect from April 2026.