Southport Lib Dems Accuse New Labour MPs of Failing to Put Town First in Parliament Vote

Southport Lib Dems are disappointed that new Southport Labour voted against an amendment in Parliament that called for the scrapping of the 2 child Universal Credit cap.

Several Labour MP’s voted for the amendment and have now had the whip removed. The Reform party MP's all missed the vote despite the promise in their manifesto to overturn the policy which was brought in by the Conservatives in 2017.

Erin Harvey, Southport Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson, commented: “We know how regressive the cap is. Removing it would be an easy way to take thousands of local children out of poverty. The new Labour MP has repeatedly pledged to put our town first, ahead of party politics yet at the first chance he had to make a change he has failed.

“The Labour leadership are putting a lot of emphasis on a new taskforce that has been set up to look at the causes of child poverty. Frankly, this just like window dressing if it isn’t backed up by obvious action. There is no more obvious action than lifting a harsh benefit cap that will instantly get more money back into parents’ pockets.”

Southport Lib Dem Councillor Gareth Lloyd- Johnson added: “Only a few
months ago in September last year, Sefton Council voted for my motion calling for the cap to be removed. It’s clear that the majority of Councillors want rid of the policy too.”