3 February 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has backed plans to remove the two-child welfare cap.
The second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill took place in the Commons on Tuesday.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“From the moment this damaging policy was introduced by the Tories, the SDLP has campaigned for its removal. We warned of the harm it would cause when it was extended to Northern Ireland and lifting it has the potential to help over 50,000 households.
“This policy has pushed more children into poverty, penalised families and piled extra pressure on some of the poorest households. The costs to the public purse, in addressing the long term impact of poverty in childhood, are far higher than the cost of this support.
“The SDLP has consistently argued for the removal of the two-child limit at Westminster, in Stormont and in councils across Northern Ireland. I welcome this progress and hope it will help lift children out of poverty and provide real support for the families who need it most.”