Labour: Announcement is merely smoke and mirrors

Shadow work and pensions secretary, Liam Byrne, responds to the Government's announcement:

“Today's announcement is frankly smoke and mirrors. It won't mean a penny more help for parents already struggling on childcare tax credits.

“Universal Credit is now set to lock in a 'parents' penalty' that cuts back childcare payments so hard that many parents will be forced to give up work. With parents struggling to make ends meet, it beggars belief that the Tories are stopping parents working the hours and shifts they need by taking away their childcare."