The SNP Group on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on newly
elected Isles MP, Torcuil Crichton, to support an amendment to the King’s
Speech on ending the so-called Two-Child benefit cap. It is believed such an
amendment will be tabled tomorrow, in a move that could see a Labour revolt
over the controversial restriction.
“The
SNP has consistently opposed this cruel and punitive measure which pushes
struggling families further into poverty,” said SNP Group Leader, Cllr. Frances
Murray. “Whilst in Scotland the measure is mitigated by the SNP Government,
obviously it would be preferable to see it scrapped altogether, particularly in
an area such as our own, where depopulation as well as poverty is a very real
concern.”
She
continued, “We would strongly urge our MP to recognise that he faces an
important political choice. He and his party campaigned for change. If Labour
is series about changing child poverty, the Two Child Cap must be scrapped.”
