Today’s High Court decision is a further demonstration of the failure of this government’s austerity agenda – Jeremy Corbyn and Debbie Abrahams

Jeremy Corbyn MP,
Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on today’s High Court judgement that the Benefit
Cap unlawfully discriminates against single parents with children aged two or
under, said:

“Today’s High Court decision is a further demonstration of the
failure of this government’s austerity agenda. It is failing in its own terms,
it’s failing our communities, and it’s failing the most vulnerable in our
country – including the victims of domestic violence and those facing
homelessness.

“Labour has stood against the benefit cap, its discrimination
against parents with children and the government’s cruel austerity programme. 

“Our Shadow Foreign Secretary, Emily Thornberry MP, tabled
an amendment to the Benefit Cap legislation to exclude families with children
under two from the cap when it came before parliament. 

“The Government
should have listened to Labour then, but I am pleased the High Court has
listened to these courageous campaigners now.

“The Prime Minister
should accept the High Court’s judgement and end this discrimination against
parents and children.”

Debbie Abrahams MP,
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the judgement, said:

“I welcome the court’s
decision on the Benefit Cap today, and commend the brave campaigners who took
this case against the Government on behalf of the 17,000 families affected.

“This is another
damaging blow to the Government’s failing austerity agenda. While many families
have struggled to make ends meet, this Government has given hand-outs to some
of the richest in our society.

“The social security
system should be there for us all in our time of need.

“For too long this Government
has pushed children into poverty, as punishment for their parent’s
circumstances.

“I therefore welcome
the High Court’s judgement that this policy is unlawful, which marks another
blow in their failing austerity agenda.

“Labour will transform
the social security system so that, like the NHS, it is there for us all in our
time of need.”