Backlash grows over Starmer's support for Tory Two-Child Cap

Independence only way to build a fairer society in Scotland

The SNP has said "independence is the only way to build a fairer society" - as the backlash grows against Keir Starmer's support for the Tory two-child cap.

Challenged by Laura Kuenssberg on whether a UK Labour Party government would scrap the punitive Tory policy, Keir Starmer admitted "We're not changing that policy".

Following the interview:

• Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted "Poverty experts say scrapping the two-child limit would lift up to 15,000 children in Scotland out of poverty. Why on earth is Starmer committed to keeping this cruel Tory policy? Only the SNP offer real change and the chance to escape Westminster control with independence.
• Labour MSP Monica Lennon tweeted: "this is the wrong position"
• Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba tweeted: "Keir Starmer was elected leader of the Labour Party on a pledge to scrap the two child limit. It's what Labour members want, it's what the public expects, and it's what the country needs. Labour must be a Party of principle that puts the people first."
• Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation tweeted: "The two child cap is a stigmatising attack on families struggling to get by. It actively causes child poverty. Who is even defending it now? Hard to believe that the politics of “hungry children are fine with us” loses against “they've modestly upped spending”.
• Earlier today, RMT Secretary-General Mick Lynch told Sky's Sophie Ridge: "at the minute many people can't spot the difference" between Keir Starmer and the Tories. Separately, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham told the BBC "I am very, very disappointed with the lack of ambition” in the Labour Party leadership.

Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson David Linden MP said:

"The SNP is the only party offering real change with independence - and it's increasingly clear that securing the full powers of independence is the only way to build a fairer society.

"It's shameful that Keir Starmer has admitted the pro-Brexit Labour Party will continue to impose the cruel Tory two child cap, which has pushed so many people into poverty.

"People in Scotland are increasingly asking 'what is the point in the Labour Party?' if all it does is copy failed Tory policies, impose Brexit and make devastating cuts against Scotland's will.

"Unlike Starmer, the SNP is absolutely clear we oppose the two-child cap - and with the full powers of independence we would scrap it. At the next election, voting SNP is the only way to secure independence and escape the damage of Westminster control for good."