Starmer defiant on MP suspensions over two-child benefit cap as Sultana condemns ‘macho virility test’ – live

Sir Keir Starmer has stood defiant over his decision to suspend seven MPs following their rebellion over the two-child benefit cap .

A spokesperson for Sir Keir said voting against the government over the King’s Speech is a serious matter, after a number of MPs broke ran and voted to scrap the policy .

“We’ve been very clear on our position on the child limit and why we did not commit to removing it both during the campaign and since. And that is because given the economic situation we’ve inherited, we are very clear that we’re not going to make promises that we can’t keep,” the spokesperson said.

“Now, clearly, voting against the party’s position on the King’s Speech is a serious matter.”

She added Sir Keir is “focused on delivering the change” the public voted for rather than dwelling on the rebellion.

The Labour leader dodged questions over the two-child benefit cap during his first Prime Minister ’s Questions since leading Labour to an election victory and entering Downing Street.

Although the move has been seen as a show of strength by the Labour leader, Ms Sultana, representing Coventry South, claimed she was a victim of Sir Keir’s “macho virility test”.