- The Conservative Party has announced plans to reinstate the two-child benefit cap if they get into power, using the funds to increase defence spending.
- This policy, initially introduced in 2017, limits child tax credit and Universal Credit payments to the first two children in most households.
- The party estimates that reversing the cap's abolition would generate over £3.2 billion annually, with half for deficit reduction and the remainder for defence.
- The defence funds would be used to recruit 20,000 new soldiers – 6,000 regular soldiers and 14,000 reservists – as well as their accommodation and equipment.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Labour for prioritising welfare over military funding, while Labour's draft legislation to abolish the cap is currently progressing through the House of Lords.
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