FIRST MINISTER REJECTS THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO REINSTATE CHILD POVERTY TARGETS

‘A Plaid Cymru government will make tackling child poverty a priority’ – Plaid leader

During First Minister’s Questions today (Tuesday 11 November 2025), the Labour First Minister failed on three different occasions to commit to reinstating targets to eradicate child poverty – in the context of a Labour UK Government signalling it will finally scrap the two-child benefit cap.

In 2016, the Labour Welsh Government scrapped its target to eliminate child poverty by 2020, blaming it on the actions of the UK Government on welfare reform.

Responding to the exchange, Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said:

“The Labour First Minister claimed to enter politics to eradicate child poverty, yet when I asked her three times to reinstate child poverty targets, she refused to do so.

“By 2029, a third of children in Wales are expected to be living in poverty – the highest of all UK nations - and measures like the Child Payment proposed by Plaid Cymru which are proven in Scotland to be a key lever in bringing down child poverty rates, have been rejected by Labour.

“With the Chancellor signalling her intention to lift the two-child cap in full, there is no logical reason why the First Minister cannot set new, bold and ambitious targets to tackle the scourge of child poverty.

“While Labour says no to targets and no to a child payment – a Plaid Cymru Government will demonstrate a new sense of urgency, ensuring that giving every child a fair start in life is a priority.”