Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford, has been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party whip for six months by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This action follows her opposition to the Labour leaders decision to retain the former Conservative Government’s two-child benefit cap, a policy limiting child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in a family.
Mrs Long-Bailey was among seven Labour MPs within Labours ranks who defied the party whip, by backing an amendment put forward by the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), citing the caps adverse effects on child poverty. The unpopular policy which was introduced in 2017, has faced criticism for pushing children and struggling families both in Salford and the wider field, further into poverty, something which has had a devastating effect within Salford. Due to Starmers massive majority, there was never any doubt that the amendment would fail, with the government winning comfortably by 363 votes to 103, a majority of 260.
Read More: Rebecca Long-Bailey MP Calls To End Child Poverty Amid New Labour Government Reforms
Long-Bailey joined Richard Burgon, Ian Byre, Imran Hussain, Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana and former shadow chancellor John McDonald in opposing the cap which was heavily criticised by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who himself was ejected from the party, before going on to win a large majority as an independent in the 2024 General Election. Their dissent reflects significant ongoing internal tensions within Labour regarding welfare policies and the leadership’s approach to child poverty.
Losing the whip means that effectively the MPs are suspended from the parliamentary party and will now sit as independents.
Rebecca won her seat in the newly formed Salford Constituency with a total of 21,132 Votes and a majority of 53%.
What Is The Child Benefit Cap?
The child benefit cap in the UK, introduced in 2013 and revised in 2016, places a limit on the total amount of benefits a working-age household can receive if no one in the household is employed. This cap is £20,000 per year outside of Greater London and £23,000 per year within Greater London.
In Salford, the cap has significantly impacted families, particularly those with young children. Many families have struggled to cover essential needs such as food, clothing, and heating. Rising living costs and rents, not matched by increases in the cap, have exacerbated these challenges, leaving many households unable to meet their basic necessities.
The policy aimed to encourage employment and relocation to cheaper housing, but these outcomes have been limited. Many affected families are unable to work due to health issues, childcare responsibilities, or lack of suitable job opportunities. Additionally, finding more affordable housing is often not feasible due to limited availability and poor conditions of low-cost housing options.
In Salford, the cap has contributed to increased poverty and financial hardship. Families have had to make difficult choices, such as skipping meals, living in inadequate housing, or accruing debt to cover basic expenses. This has not only impacted their immediate financial stability but also their overall well-being and quality of life.
Who Is Rebecca Long-Bailey?
Rebecca Long-Bailey is a Labour Party politician serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Salford and Eccles since 2015, more recently being elected to the newly formed Salford constituency on July 4th 2024. She is known for her strong advocacy for workers’ rights and environmental issues and has held various shadow cabinet positions, including Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Long-Bailey unsuccessfully ran for Labour Party leadership in 2020 following the departure of then leader, Jeremy Corbyn. During her campaign she emphasised her commitment to socialist principles and progressive policies. A key figure on the party’s left, she continues remains true to her socialist roots.
