Reeves criticises Farage for opposing lifting the two‑child benefit cap

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Nigel Farage opposed lifting the two‑child benefit cap and favoured limiting the change to British‑born families, a position she described as unacceptable and angering. Legislation to lift the cap is scheduled to be introduced on Thursday.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly condemned Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after he said his party would vote against lifting the two‑child benefit cap and argued the change would chiefly benefit foreign‑born people. Reeves said his remarks, which she described as prioritising British‑born families, were upsetting and framed them as implying some children should remain in poverty. She said she will introduce legislation to lift the cap on Thursday and that the measure could affect about 550,000 children. The issue has become a focal point in party debate over child poverty and how benefits should be targeted. Key points: - Rachel Reeves said she was angered by Nigel Farage's suggestion that benefit changes should prioritise British‑born families. - Nigel Farage said Reform UK will vote against lifting the two‑child cap, saying it would "benefit huge numbers of foreign‑born people." - Reeves will introduce legislation to lift the cap on Thursday; Labour says the change could lift 550,000 children out of poverty. - Labour analysis cited in reporting says Farage's alternative proposal would help about 3,700 households, less than 1% of those affected. Summary: The exchange highlights political disagreement over how benefit changes should be targeted and has prompted public criticism from the chancellor. The immediate next step is the planned introduction of legislation on Thursday, and the wider political debate over the measure and party responses is ongoing.