Suspended Labour MPs remain defiant as charities call for urgent reforms to tackle the devastating impact of child poverty and mental health crises — here’s the full story.
Standing on Conviction
Following the remarkable decision to stand for their convictions and vote against the newly elected Labour government, seven Labour MPs, including former Chancellor John McDonnell and Zarah Sultana, have been suspended from the party. The seven rebels backed an SNP amendment to the King’s speech, which sought to scrap the controversial and damaging two-child benefit cap.
“Put Country Before Party”
McDonnell defended his actions before voting for the amendment, stating, “I don’t like voting for other parties’ amendments but I’m following Keir Starmer’s example, as he said put country before party.”
Intense Scrutiny on Labour
The MP’s suspension has sparked a significant backlash both inside and outside of the Labour Party, with Labour’s leadership under Prime Minister Keir Starmer coming under intense scrutiny for what many have viewed as overzealous disciplinary measures against rebels who voted with their conscience in an attempt to draw attention to the pervasive impact of child poverty in the UK.
Pressure on Starmer Grows
The move comes as pressure continues to grow on Keir Starmer to scrap the benefit cap introduced in 2017 by the then-Conservative government. The cap prevents families from claiming benefits for more than two children.
“Unnecessary and Cruel”
The two-child benefit cap has been roundly condemned as an unnecessary and cruel driver of child poverty, with research indicating that, if abolished, 250,000 children could be lifted out of poverty.
Sultana Unrepentant
Following her suspension from the party, Sultana was unrepentant, stating, “I slept well knowing that I took a stand against child poverty that is affecting 4.3 million people in this country and it is the right thing to do and I am glad I did it.”
Child Poverty and Mental Health
Adding to the pressure on Starmer, a recent report by the Centre for Mental Health, Save the Children UK, and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition has shown just how damaging the impact of child poverty can be on mental health.
4.3 Million in Poverty
According to the report, 4.3 million children in the UK are living in poverty, and one in five young people aged between eight and 24 have a diagnosable mental health condition. Poverty has long been known to exacerbate or even cause mental health issues.
Call for System Overhaul
The charities behind the report have called on the government to overhaul the benefits system to end the scourge of child poverty in the sixth wealthiest nation on earth. Key recommendations include introducing mental health support teams in every school in England, expanding free school meals to all children in households receiving universal credit, and adjusting the free school meals allowance annually in line with inflation.
“Childhood Blighted by Poverty”
Priya Edwards from Save the Children UK stated, “A childhood blighted by poverty and poor mental health leads to dreadful outcomes for young people that sadly impacts them for the rest of their life. Families deserve better than constant anxiety about making ends meet.”
Starmer’s Cautious Stance
Despite the growing pressure on Starmer to score an easy win by abolishing the cap, the Prime Minister has maintained a cautious stance, seemingly more concerned about appearing fiscally responsible than ending child poverty. Starmer has acknowledged the MPs’ “passion” but suggested there is “no silver bullet” to end child poverty.
“This Isn’t a Game”
Speaking to the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, Sultana was asked her opinion of Starmer, to which she replied, “I’m not interested in playing up to this macho virility test that seems to be what people are talking about. It’s about the material conditions of 330,000 children living in poverty. This isn’t a game. This is about people’s lives.”
Government’s Position
In its defence, a government spokesperson reiterated its current position, stating, “This government is committed to tackling child poverty, which is why the new ministerial taskforce launched last week will look at all the available levers across government as we begin this urgent work. We will also provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school so young people can get the support and care they deserve.”
Defence of Government Measures
However, some Labour figures spoke out more forcefully in defence of the government. Former Shadow Cabinet member Jonathan Ashworth told the BBC, “To join with the odds and sods of Gaza independents and Greens and Nats is frankly a futile gesture when we know the parliamentary arithmetic has changed. Sir Keir Starmer has a commanding majority. And the government is not unsympathetic to the cause. It has announced a child poverty review.
“Right Way to Effect Change”
He added, “The right way to effect change is not the parliamentary games of last night but to engage with that review.”
Steadfast in Principles
Despite the suspension, the ousted MPs remain steadfast in their principles. Sultana expressed hope that the benefit cap would be abolished within the next six months and vowed to continue advocating for her constituents.
Mounting Pressure on Starmer
With consistent reports showing how pernicious the issue of child poverty has become and the recent reporting showing what a devastating impact poverty can have on mental health, it remains to be seen how long Starmer can hold out against the mounting pressure from his party to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ben Gingell.