Reform UK's candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election in Manchester has ignited a fierce political debate with a provocative proposal to tax individuals who do not have children. Matt Goodwin, standing for the party in the February 26 contest, suggested this measure as part of a broader strategy to tackle the UK's plummeting birth rates, a topic he explored in a 2023 blog post recently uncovered by The Independent.
Controversial Tax Proposal Sparks Outcry
In his writings, Goodwin advocated for the introduction of a 'negative child benefit tax' targeting people 'who don't have offspring.' While he indicated that this levy would apply equally to men and women, critics argue it would disproportionately impact women, potentially pressuring them into pregnancy to avoid financial penalties for themselves or their partners. The suggestion has drawn stark comparisons to Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel and television series 'The Handmaid's Tale,' where fertile women are forced into reproductive servitude.
Goodwin's Broader Family-Focused Policies
Beyond the contentious tax idea, Goodwin's blog post outlined additional measures aimed at fostering a 'pro family culture' in Britain. He proposed eliminating personal income tax for women who have two or more children, establishing a national day to celebrate parenthood, and having the King send congratulatory messages to families upon the birth of a third child. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to entrench family values within the educational curriculum, reform child benefit systems to incentivise larger families, and prioritise British families in new housing developments.
Political Reactions and By-Election Context
Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, condemned Goodwin's proposal as 'so ludicrous' and likened it to 'something out of 'The Handmaid's Tale.'' She warned that such a policy would 'punish millions of women and strip them of their basic dignity to choose,' accusing Reform UK under Nigel Farage of fostering division rather than unity. Powell urged voters in the by-election to support Labour instead.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, setting the stage for a competitive race. Reform UK's campaign has reportedly gotten off to a 'very, very good start,' according to Farage, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski framed the contest as a direct battle between the Greens and Reform, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Reform UK's Defence of the Proposal
In response to the backlash, a Reform UK spokesperson defended Goodwin's ideas, stating that Labour was being 'disingenuous' in its criticism. The spokesperson noted that the concept of a negative child benefit tax was originally suggested by demographer Paul Morland as part of a suite of measures to address demographic challenges in developed nations. They argued that a 'grown-up, mature debate' is necessary to confront the UK's looming demographic crisis, accusing the Labour government of having its 'head in the sand' regarding long-term issues like supporting families and encouraging childbirth.
As the February 26 by-election approaches, this proposal has thrust demographic policy and family support into the spotlight, reflecting broader societal concerns about ageing populations and declining birth rates across the UK. The controversy underscores the polarising nature of such interventions in personal reproductive choices, with implications for gender equality and social policy.
