Readers ‘disappointed’ at suspension of Coventry MP over child benefit vote

Coventry Live readers have taken to the comments section to express their mixed reactions to the recent announcement of the suspension of Coventry MP Zarah Sultana for supporting a motion to remove the cap on the two-child benefit.

Zarah Sultana remained defiant and expressed her determination to stand up for the most vulnerable in society, stressing the impact that the abolition of the poverty ceiling would have on 330,000 children.

The suspension of MPs who voted against party lines reflects the strict disciplinary policies of the new regime led by Sir Keir Starmer. Over 40 Labour MPs abstained from voting, some of them for various reasons including Covid-related issues. According to the PA news agency, this suspension will be reassessed in six months.

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One of CovKid’s readers said, “You can’t afford to have kids? Then don’t have any. Why should taxpayers have to pay for it?”

Riva added: “As far as Labour is concerned, Sultanas like Corbyn, Abbott, Butler, McDonnell and Long-Bailey have now effectively ended their political careers.”

Under no circumstances does it say: “You can have as many children as you want. As long as the people who have them pay for it. Not the taxpayers.”

Rufusc replied: “Come on! It’s not like child benefit alone has ever been enough to raise a child at all. I don’t have any children myself, but many estimates say it costs over £100,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. I’m pretty sure child benefit alone doesn’t and never has.

CovKid contributed: “Why should people have 4/5/6+ children, never work and expect others to pay for them?”

Shelly7474 said: “The upper limit should be 2 children. Some people have children just for the money.”

Rufusc replied, “You’re hardly going to live like a Kardashian if you get child support, regardless of how many kids you have!”

Shelly7474 added: “No matter how you live, here people care more about their nails and looking good while waiting in line for food, so definitely cap them, food vouchers are a great idea, then at least the kids get food and clothes.”

Crazycazzy said, “If you can’t feed them, don’t raise them, it’s simple. In the 1970s nobody paid us to have kids, so why should hard-working taxpayers pay others to have kids? I wish I could say where my taxes go.”

Wler commented: “It is quite obvious that Kier Starter will not tolerate left wing rebels in the Labour Party!! Very admirable, I think I will vote for him in the next election!”

Thors said: “Sultana deserves everything she has gotten. I am sick of her being introduced as ‘the MP with so many followers on this social media platform and so many followers on that platform’. Total self-promotion.”

Oopsiewoopsie added: “People aren’t having as many kids anymore, the birth rate is at an all-time low.”

ARC said: “Although he is no fan of the Labour Party and would never vote for them, Starmer finally seems to be showing some leadership.”

MaDayyul said: “I have three children myself and I don’t see a problem here. If you can’t afford children, then stop having them! I remember before this rule, people had children to earn more money. I actually heard a neighbor telling someone outside my window how much more she would get ‘when this child is born.'”

Carole replied, “Yes, they will continue to have babies so they don’t have to work with a small baby or child.”

Riva said: “Well done Sir Keir, you show your determination to get the job done, unlike Sunak. Sultana got what she deserved when she decided to ignore party discipline and stick with the dinosaur Corbyn who forced her on us here in Coventry. Mrs Sultana must now decide whether she wants to be an MP and look after the welfare of the people who elected her, otherwise she will be looking for a new career after the next general election. She is now being put in line with the likes of McDonnell, Butler and Abbott, which tells us all we need to know about her.”

IanB replied: “I agree. I voted Labour and am delighted with their progress in just two weeks. It was made clear that the cap would be lifted as soon as finances allowed. Zarah knew this and her actions are very disappointing. My vote was wasted!”

Did the Prime Minister do right or wrong in suspending these MPs? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.

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