MP, Leader of the , commenting on
today’s High Court judgement that the Benefit Cap unlawfully
discriminates against single parents with children aged two or
under, said:
“Today’s High Court decision is a further demonstration of the
failure of this government's austerity agenda. It is failing in
its own terms, it's failing our communities, and it’s failing the
most vulnerable in our country – including the victims of
domestic violence and those facing homelessness.
“Labour has stood against the benefit cap, its discrimination
against parents with children and the government’s cruel
austerity programme.
"Our Shadow Foreign Secretary, MP, tabled an amendment to
the Benefit Cap legislation to exclude families with children
under two from the cap when it came before parliament.
“The Government should have listened to Labour then, but I am
pleased the High Court has listened to these courageous
campaigners now.
“The Prime Minister should accept the High Court's judgement and
end this discrimination against parents and children."
MP, Shadow Work and
Pensions Secretary, commenting on the judgement, said:
“I welcome the court’s decision on the Benefit Cap today, and
commend the brave campaigners who took this case against the
Government on behalf of the 17,000 families affected.
“This is another damaging blow to the Government’s failing
austerity agenda. While many families have struggled to make ends
meet, this Government has given hand-outs to some of the richest
in our society.
“The social security system should be there for us all in our
time of need.
“For too long this Government has pushed children into poverty,
as punishment for their parent’s circumstances.
“I therefore welcome the High Court’s judgement that this policy
is unlawful, which marks another blow in their failing austerity
agenda.
“Labour will transform the social security system so that, like
the NHS, it is there for us all in our time of need.”
