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Conservatives Eye Defense Funds by Reinstating Child Benefit Cap

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Conservative Party plans to reinstate the two-child benefit cap to fund increased defense spending if elected.
The cap, introduced in 2017, limits child tax credits to the first two children.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for prioritizing welfare over military funding.
The Conservatives estimate that reversing the cap's abolition could generate over £3.2 billion annually for defense, aiming to recruit 20,000 new soldiers.

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Story summary

The Conservative Party plans to reinstate the two-child benefit cap to fund increased defense spending if elected.
The cap, introduced in 2017, limits child tax credits to the first two children.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for prioritizing welfare over military funding.
The Conservatives estimate that reversing the cap's abolition could generate over £3.2 billion annually for defense, aiming to recruit 20,000 new soldiers.