Nigel Farage is facing criticism for proposing a plan that could push 500,000 children into poverty to finance a 5p reduction in the price of a pint.

The leader of Reform UK revealed a £3 billion support package for pubs, intending to fund it by reinstating the two-child benefit cap. This proposal includes lowering VAT to 10% for the hospitality industry, canceling the increase in national insurance for hospitality businesses, reducing beer duty by 10%, implementing a new staggered business rate relief system for pubs, and introducing additional regulations to assist landlords.

By removing the two-child limit established by the Conservative Party in 2017, it is anticipated that around 450,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2029. In response to Farage’s announcement, Stephen Timms, the Labour Party’s Social Security Minister, criticized the decision, stating, “Politics involves making choices. Nigel Farage has chosen to align with the Tories and potentially push half a million children back into poverty.”

Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Connor Naismith, expressed concerns on Twitter, emphasizing the detrimental impact of prioritizing a 5p reduction on pints over the well-being of children. Another Labour MP, Torsten Bell, criticized Farage for changing his stance on the two-child limit policy, highlighting the adoption of failed Tory policies by Reform UK.

During a press conference, Farage raised concerns about the dire situation faced by the hospitality sector, describing it as being on the brink of collapse. He emphasized the severity of the challenges faced by pubs and the hospitality industry, labeling the situation as a significant disaster.

Recently, the Government announced a 15% reduction in new business rate bills to provide support to pubs as part of a substantial aid package. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson confirmed that the reduction would be effective from April, with pub bills also set to experience a freeze in real terms for an additional two years.