Jeff Smith MP voted to scrap the two-child limit in Parliament, lifting 450,000 children across the UK out of poverty.

Speaking after the second reading of the Bill, Jeff Smith MP said:

“Lifting children out of poverty is an investment in this country’s future.

“Growing up in poverty means children are less likely to do well at school – with less than a quarter of children in the lowest income households getting five good GCSEs.

“They are four times more likely to experience mental health conditions. And they are more likely to not be in education, employment, or training and to face a life on benefits.

“By voting to end the two-child limit we are giving children the opportunity they need to succeed in life.

“And from April this year, at least 380 children living in Manchester Withington will benefit.”

Removing the two-child limit is the single quickest and most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty – 450,000 by this measure alone, rising to 550,000 with other measures in the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy.

Other measures in the Child Poverty Strategy include support for working families to stop children growing up in B&Bs, expanding childcare for families on UC and helping parents save up to £500 on baby formula.

Measures in the Bill are due to come into effect from April 2026.