Labour Leader Keir Starmer Maintains Two-Child Benefit Limit and Introduces Foreign Policy Stance in Upcoming Election Manifesto

Labour’s leader, Sir Keir Starmer, plans not to scrap the two-child benefit limit in the party’s upcoming election manifesto. This policy, introduced by former Prime Minister David Cameron, limits child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households. Despite criticism from several MPs and campaign groups, Starmer aims to maintain a financially cautious approach as Labour aims to hold onto its polling lead over the Conservatives for the July 4 election.

Labour’s manifesto will also contain a significant foreign policy stance, pledging to recognize a Palestinian state as part of the Middle East peace process. This move is designed to regain support among Muslim and progressive voters, some of whom have become disillusioned with Labour’s previous positions on Israel.

Labour will commit to other policies including backing a two-state solution, driving down net migration, and maintaining financial prudence by ensuring all policies are fully funded and costed. The manifesto also includes commitments to worker rights and the creation of a state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, as part of a “Green Prosperity Plan.”

In another notable stance, the manifesto will confirm that Labour will not overturn the compulsory identity cards policy for elections, though it will accept military ID cards for voting. Labour also refrains from reversing the recent introduction of voter ID requirements.

The final manifesto is subject to approval in a “Clause Five” meeting of Labour officials, shadow ministers, and union leaders.