SNP will demand Starmer takes action on poverty

Charity boss challenges Starmer on Two Child Cap

The SNP has said it will "demand the next Labour government takes action on poverty" - as a leading charity challenged Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the two child cap and increase Universal Credit payments.

Chris Birt, Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in Scotland, told the Daily Record today that improving the welfare system "will be a big test for them" and "they need to show action".

It comes after Sir Keir ruled out scrapping the two child cap and bedroom tax, which are pushing people into poverty, telling the BBC in July "we're not changing that policy".

Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson David Linden MP said:

"The SNP will continue to press the Tories to reverse their cruel welfare cuts ahead of the UK Budget - and we will demand the next Labour Party government takes action on poverty.

"It's shameful that Sir Keir Starmer supports lifting the cap on bankers' bonuses but wants to impose a cap on child benefits - pushing thousands of children in Scotland into poverty.

"It shows why it's vital there's a strong team of SNP MPs elected at the general election to stand up for Scotland's values, drag Starmer to the left and demand action to reduce poverty.

"The SNP government has led the way on tackling poverty, through progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment, but for every step we take forward Westminster is dragging Scotland back by imposing cuts to family incomes.

"We'll press a Labour government to follow Scotland's lead by introducing a UK-wide child payment and reversing the two child cap and bedroom tax. If Starmer was serious about tackling poverty he'd back these policies now - and join us in demanding action at the UK budget next month."