PMQs live: Starmer urged to axe two-child benefit cap after Labour rebellion

Keir Starmer is facing his first PMQs amid a Labour rebellion over the two-child benefit cap.

Keir Starmer was urged to axe the two-child benefit cap by the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn after Tuesday night's rebellion in the Commons.
Keir Starmer was urged to axe the two-child benefit cap by the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn after Tuesday night's rebellion in the Commons.

Keir Starmer has been urged to axe the two-child benefit cap during his first prime minister's questions in power.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn criticised Starmer on his reluctance to remove the controversial cap after Labour stripped seven MPs of the party whip for voting against the government on the issue in Tuesday night's vote.

Earlier in PMQs, Tory leader Rishi Sunak pressed the PM on whether he had raised the possibility with German leaders of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine, while the Lib Dem leader Ed Davey urged Starmer to set up a cross party commission on social care - with the Labour leader responding by committing to establishing a National Care Service.

Follow all the latest from parliament below:

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER33 updates
  • Live coverage ends

    Yahoo UK is finishing it's live coverage of prime minister's questions, the first since Sir Keir Starmer became PM and Rishi Sunak traded places with him on the opposition benches.

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  • Sir Ed Davey also raised the issue of the carer's allowance repayments during PM, citing the example of one of his constituents.

  • 'Once-in-century chance to fix social care,' Davey tells PM

    LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 10: Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey speaks at the party's manifesto launch on June 10, 2024 in London, England. The Liberal Democrats will campaign for closer ties with the EU and put social care and health at the centre of its manifesto for the General Election on July 4th. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
    Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has been vocal about social care. (Getty Images)

    Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey used one of his two questions to press the prime minister about the care crisis, saying there was a “once-in-a-century chance to fix social care”.

    He asked Sir Keir Starmer: "There’s another care crisis that’s probably even bigger and that’s the crisis in social care. I’m sure like me he’s met millions of people around the country, have heard about millions of people for whom this is their biggest issue and has been for decades.

    “After a once in a century election does he not think there’s an opportunity for a once in a century chance to fix social care and thus help our NHS. So can I ask him to set up a cross-party commission on social care so we can address this urgent matter?”

    The PM replied: “He’s right, it is a crisis. I’m sorry to have to report to the House it’s not the only crisis that we’ve inherited. There’s a crisis and a failure absolutely everywhere after 14 years of failure that this government of service will begin the hard yards of fixing, including on social care.”

    The Lib Dems on Monday claimed that England has nearly 1,500 fewer care homes than in 2018. To read more about the scale of the problem, click here.

  • Kim Johnson 'proud' to be part of Labour's BAME MPs

    Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson tweeted how proud she is to be part of Labour's growing team of BAME MPs.

  • Key moments from Sir Keir Starmer’s first Prime Minister’s Questions

    Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, heading to the House of Commons to attend his first Prime Minister's Questions since being elected. Picture date: Wednesday July 24, 2024.
    Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend his first PMQs since being elected. (PA)

    Sir Keir Starmer faced questions from the Opposition and his own MPs in the House of Commons in the first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) led by a Labour leader in 14 years.

    Click here to read the top moments of today's PMQs, as outlined by PA Media.

  • Labour MP's question on care for young trans people

    Labour's Nadia Whittome has shared her question about the concerns of young trans people and their families about the puberty blockers ban introduced by the last government.

    The Nottingham East MP said one of her constituents, a parent of a trans child, had told her: "I'm so worried about my child. I'm terrified for what this means for them and where Britain is going on these issues."

    Responding to her request that the PM meets with young trans people and their families about the impact of the restrictions, Sir Keir Starmer said: "Our guiding principles must be the well-being of children. And this is a serious government and we will approach that question with care and not inflammatory dividing lines."

    He added the Cass Review said there hadn't been enough evidence on whether puberty blockers were safe, but added that we would ensure such a meeting between her and the relevant minister took place.

  • Ukraine a top topic of PMQs

    Keir Starmer first PMQ. (Parliament TV)
    Keir Starmer first PMQ. (Parliament TV)

    A key topic of exchange between Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak during PMQs was the ongoing war in Ukraine.

    Sunak asked: “The UK has consistently been the first country to provide new capabilities to Ukraine, such as the long-range weapons that have been used so effectively in the Black Sea. Now those decisions aren’t easy, and I was grateful to the prime minister for his support as I made those decisions in government and in opposition I offer that same support to him.

    “So can I ask that he continues to be responsive to Ukraine’s new requests so that they don’t just stand still but can decisively win out against Russian aggression?”

    To which Starmer responded: "I can assure him that we are of course talking to Ukraine about how they deal with the Russian aggression that they are facing, have been facing for many, many months, and I will continue to try to do that in the way that he did, which is to reach out across the House to share such information as we can to maintain the unity that is so important.”

  • Starmer 'focused on delivering change' amid Labour rebel furore

    Sir Keir Starmer is “focused on delivering the change” the public voted for, Downing Street has said.

    Asked what the prime minister’s mood was following the rebellion over the two-child benefit cap, his political spokeswoman said: “He’s been focused, like the whole party, on delivering the change that the country voted for.”

  • PM's spokesperson defends suspension of seven rebel MPs

    Defying the government over the King’s speech “is a serious matter” a political spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer has said in defence of the suspension of seven Labour rebels.

    The spokesperson told reporters: “We’ve been very clear on our position on the child limit and why we did not commit to removing it both during the campaign and since. And that is because given the economic situation we’ve inherited, we are very clear that we’re not going to make promises that we can’t keep.

    “Now clearly voting against the party’s position on the King’s speech is a serious matter.”

    Asked whether the return of the whip to the seven MPs was conditional on them voting consistently with the government over the next six months, she said: “That’s a matter for the chief whip.”

    The prime minister agreed with the chief whip’s decision to suspend the rebels, she added.

  • Speaker shuts down SNP MP for trying to shame Labour over 2-child benefit cap with a prop

    SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn directs a question to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the debate on the King's Speech in the House of Commons, Westminster, London. Picture date: Wednesday July 17, 2024.
    SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was told he could not use a prop in the Commons. (AP)

    The Westminster leader of the SNP, Stephen Flynn, breached parliamentary rules today by bringing a prop into PMQs in an effort to shame the government.

    Labour is facing some pressure to scrap the two-child benefit cap – a Conservative policy which prevents parents from claiming any state support for their third kid – including from within its own ranks.

    Read the full story from HuffPost.

  • Greens tweet that keeping children in poverty 'is a political choice'

    The Green Party has tweeted that keeping children in poverty is 'a political choice' as Labour fails to scrap two-child benefit cap.

  • Jeremy Corbyn letter accuses Starmer of putting 'party before country' over child-benefit cap

    Jeremy Corbyn and four other independent MPs have written to the seven Labour MPs suspended for voting in support of scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

    The letter says the Labour leadership has put “party before country” and welcomes more independent voices in parliament who are “free to speak out against inequality and injustice without fear of repercussion from their party whip”.

    It was signed by former Labour leader Corbyn and Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Shockat Adam and Iqbal Mohamed.

    The independent MPs say they “look forward to working closely” with the suspended Labour members: Apsana Begum, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Ian Byrne, Richard Burgon, Zarah Sultana and John McDonnell.

    The letter adds: “As the two major parties fail to defend the bold changes this country desperately needs, we will be there to offer a real alternative – and to defend a society that cares for each other and cares for all.”

  • Starmer says Tory agenda 'profoundly' rejected by the electorate

    Sir Keir Starmer was asked how his house planning aims were compatible with the desire to be sustainable when fields that were used to grow crops could be "smothered" by new homes.

    "There has been failure to build the infrastructure to build the houses we need... the prisons we need," Starmer said.

    He added that the Conservative agenda had been rejected by the electorate.

    "My advice would be... when you get rejected that profoundly by the electorate its best not to go back to the electorate and tell them they're wrong."

  • Starmer says work has begun to tackle violence against women and girls

    The PM has stressed Labour's commitment to halve violence against women and girls.

    He pledged to roll up his sleeves and said work had already started to tackle the issue.

  • Starmer asked about gun crime

    Sir Keir Starmer was asked about gun crime following the death of 15-year-old Rene Graham on Sunday.

    Starmer said tackling crime was among the focuses of the new government and sent his condolences to the family of the young boy who was killed.

  • Starmer asked about community involvement in green belt development

    Sir Keir Starmer said that clean energy was "at the heart" of the new government, which was why the planning rules would be changed to ensure that projects could go forward – including the Mersey Tidal Project.

    He was asked whether constituents would have a say on green belt development in their area, and responded "of course we will work with communities but we will take the tough decisions that the last government ran away from".

  • SNP MP lays into Starmer on child poverty and Labour rebels

    The SNP's Pete Wishart has criticised Keir Starmer on his failure to scrap the two-child benefit cap and for removing the whip from Labour rebels.

    Starmer responded by pointing out the child poverty levels in Scotland have risen, and congratulating his new Scottish Labour MPs.

  • Starmer says 'every parent' has the aspiration for their children to do well

    Asked about his plans to end VAT relief on private school fees, Sir Keir Starmer said he made no apologies for wanting all children to have access to a good education.

    He said he understood that parents had aspirations for their children to do well at school, but stressed these aspirations were shared by all.

  • SNP's Stephen Flynn jokes Tories are 'too close for comfort' as he hits Starmer on two-child benefit cap

    The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn joked the Conservatives were "too close for comfort" on the opposition benches, as he congratulated Sir Keir Starmer for ending 14 years of Tory rule.

    Flynn hit out at Starmer for his stance on the two-child benefit cap, commenting that the policy “forces children into poverty”.

    Starmer responded: "Before he lectures every one else, he should explain why 13,000 more children are in poverty in Scotland.”

    Flynn's comments came a day after seven Labour MPs were suspended after they went against the whip and voted for an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit limit.

  • Lib Dem leader asks for cross-party group on social care

    Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has asked Sir Keir Starmer to set up a cross-party group on social care.

    Starmer said the "government of service" was prepared to work across the house and endeavoured to create a national care service.

    "We do want to work with the sector and where we can across the House to create a national care service covering all these aspects and we’ll start with carers and those that work in the care sector with a fair pay agreement," he said.

  • Jo Cox's parents in gallery for Starmer's first PMQs

    Keir Starmer first PMQ(BBC)
    Keir Starmer paid tribute to the late Jo Cox. (BBC)

    The parents of the late MP Jo Cox were in the gallery as her sister, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, welcomed Keir Starmer to his first PMQs.

    Starmer paid tribute to the slain MP – who was murdered in 2016 – and reminded parliament that there was "more in common" than what divides them.

  • Labour MP and others note new 'calm' PMQs

    One noticeable difference between Sir Keir Starmers first PMQs and its predecessors is a change in tone – with Labour MP for Hull East saying it seemed "calm" and "respectful".

    Byline Times chief reporter Josiah Mortimer described it as "remarkably mellow", with opposition leader Rishi Sunak "speaking as if he is still PM".

    Meanwhile broadcaster Alice Roberts observed that Starmer's first PMQs was "much less combative", adding she "hopes this continues".

  • Sunak asks PM to go further with Russia sanctions

    Rishi Sunak at first PMQ with Keir Starmer
    Rishi Sunak at his first PMQs as opposition leader.

    Rishi Sunak asked Keir Starmer to confirm that the work on Russian sanctions would continue and committed the opposition's support in this work.

    Starmer replied that there were already discussions under way about more effective measures to sanction Russia and pledged to work with the Conservatives on the matter.

  • Sunak jokes athletes do not want his advice to win

    Rishi Sunak, taking to the floor in his role as leader of the opposition, joked that Olympic athletes would not want his advice on how to win - prompting MPs to respond with pitying noises.

    "I also join with the Prime Minister in his warm words about our Olympic athletes. I’ve no doubt that after years of training, focus and dedication they’ll bring back many gold medals," he said.

    “Although to be honest, I’m probably not the first person they want to hear advice from on how to win.”

    He also asked that the prime minister continued to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

  • Starmer asked if he will meet with young trans people

    Keir Starmer first PMQ
    Keir Starmer takes part in his first PMQs. (BBC)

    Keir Starmer was asked by Labour MP Nadia Whittome if he would meet with young transgender people to discuss the findings of the Cass Review.

    He said the government would deal with the issue sensibly and would ensure there was a meeting to discuss the findings of the report and the way forward.

    “Many young trans people and their families are extremely concerned about the restrictions on puberty blockers implemented by the last Government, Whittome said.

    “One of my constituents, a parents of a trans child told me, ‘I’m so worried about my child. I’m terrified for what this means for them and where Britain is going on these issues’.

    “Will the Prime Minister meet with young trans people, their families and organisations supporting them so that he can hear why they feel so strongly that these restrictions must be reversed?”

    Starmer replied: “Our guiding principles must be the wellbeing of children and this is a serious Government so we will approach that question with care, not inflammatory dividing lines.

    “The Cass Review was clear that there’s not enough evidence on the long term impact of puberty blockers to know if they’re safe and the Health Secretary will consult with organisations supporting young people and families and I will ensure that there is a meeting with her and the relevant minister as soon as that can be arranged.”

  • Starmer pays tribute to soldier

    Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the soldier who was stabbed outside an army barracks in Kent.

    He sent his thoughts to the soldier and his family following the attack.

  • Cheers as Starmer stands at dispatch box

    Labour MPs cheered as Keir Starmer stood at the dispatch box for his first PMQs as prime minister.

  • Union calls on Starmer to scrap cap

    The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union called on Sir Keir Starmer to restore the whip to the seven MPs suspended over a Commons rebellion on the two-child benefit cap.

    Matt Wrack said: “1.6 million children are affected by the two-child cap, and 300,000 children live in poverty as a result of it. The UK is a rich country with ample resources for everyone to live a decent life.

    “The seven MPs who voted to scrap the cap spoke for millions of trade union members and many Labour Party members. Keir Starmer must restore the whip to them immediately.”

  • Labour rebel says she ‘slept well’ after taking stand over two-child benefit cap

    London, UK. 30 January, 2023. Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, addresses trade union members during a protest rally opposite Downing Street against the UK government's Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. Credit: Mark Kerrison/Alamy Live News
    Zarah Sultana said she slept well after the vote. (Alamy)

    Zarah Sultana, one of seven from the party’s left stripped of the whip on Tuesday night for backing an SNP motion to scrap the cap, said on Wednesday: “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.”

    Read the full story from The Guardian.

  • Who are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Keir Starmer?

    Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs from the party after he faced an early rebellion supporting an amendment to the King’s Speech in favour of scrapping the two-child benefit cap.

    The government has so far resisted calls to lift the cap, which has been described by campaigners as “cruel.”

    Given his massive majority, the prime minister was able to comfortably see off the rebellion with the amendment failing by 363 votes to 103 – a majority of 260 for Labour.

    Read the full story from The Independent.

  • US Embassy, LONDON, ENGLAND, MARCH 09 2024. Speaker Zarah Sultana MP attends marching for a ceasefire now to stop the genocide in Gaza. Israel has now killed over 30,000 Palestinians in its genocidal assault on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. We must keep taking to the streets in solidarity with Palestine. Meanwhile, unelected PM Rishi Sunak attacks on the freedom of protest for pro-Palestine. Only the West, inherited from their ancestors' colonizing mentality, who are known for their support of democracy, human rights, and freedom, has the stomach to support the Israelis in Gaza genocide agai
    Zarah Sultana said she was not told she would lose the whip is she rebelled. (Alamy)

    Zarah Sultana has suggested she was the victim of a “macho virility test” after being suspended by Sir Keir Starmer for supporting an SNP motion to scrap the two-child benefit limit.

    Asked for her view of the prime minister following the move, the Coventry South MP told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “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.”

    She added: “This isn’t a game. This is about people’s lives.”

    Sultana also said she was not told by the party that she would lose the whip if she rebelled.

  • The £3.4bn child benefit headache facing Keir Starmer

    Sir Keir Starmer has seen off the first Labour rebellion of his premiership after a call to scrap the two child-benefit cap was comprehensively defeated in the House of Commons.

    MPs rejected a King’s speech amendment on Tuesday, tabled in the name of SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, urging the government to get rid of the policy by a comfortable majority of 260.

    Read the full story from Yahoo News.

  • Rebel MPs accused of 'gesture' politics

    Jonathan Ashworth has accused the seven Labour MPs suspended for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap of “gesture” politics.

    The former Labour MP, who played a prominent role in his party’s election media campaign but was unseated in the general election, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “They knew that this amendment was never going to pass because of the commanding majority Keir Starmer has.

    “To join with the odds and sods, who are pretty impotent in parliament, they knew there was no chance of this amendment passing. It was a gesture. That’s not how you change policy. You don’t change policy by gestures, you change policy by engaging with the policymaking structures.”

    He continued: “I don’t think any of us should be surprised that Labour MPs who were … not defending the first (Labour) King’s speech for 14 years would lead to this disciplining.”