Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill

Carla Lockhart Excerpts

2nd reading & Money resolution
Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) (DUP)]

I commend the hon. Member on her speech. Evidence shows that the two-child limit has not changed fertility or employment but that it has coincided, sadly, with a disproportionate rise in abortions among mothers with two or more children. Does she agree that removing the two-child limit will better support mums and help to ensure that no woman feels pushed towards an abortion because she cannot afford another child?

[Fleur Anderson]

The hon. Member highlights one of the many painful decisions that people have to make on the back of this policy, such as decisions about heating or eating and about what to do in their families. She also highlights the fact that the whole of Northern Ireland will benefit from this Bill as well. We need to bring every child across the whole of the United Kingdom up, and lifting this policy will do that. It is fair across every part of the United Kingdom for all the families who are affected. I thank her for raising a different aspect that this policy has introduced.

I am proud to support the Bill, and I urge Members across the House to do the same.