3 March 2026
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has welcomed the removal of the two-child limit.
The Legislative Consent Motion on Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill took place in the Assembly on Tuesday.
The MLA for Foyle said:
“I welcome the long overdue decision to remove the two-child limit. This Tory policy has been one of the single biggest drivers of poverty across these islands in recent years, with particularly devastating consequences here in the North.
“From the outset, the SDLP warned that this policy would push children into poverty and heap further pressure on families already struggling to make ends meet. Sadly, that is exactly what has happened. While other parties supported its introduction at the time, we opposed it then and we welcome its removal now.
“However, this change must be handled properly and a few questions remain unanswered. We need further clarity on the potential adverse impact of removing the two-child limit on transitional protections, and we must secure a timely and indefinite extension of the benefit cap mitigations, which are due to end in March 2028.
“The SDLP has consistently argued for the removal of the two-child limit at Westminster, in Stormont and in councils across Northern Ireland. We welcome its removal and hope it will help lift children out of poverty and provide real support for the families who need it most.”