Conservative politicians have strongly criticized the Labour government for increasing welfare benefits to households in polygamous marriages, despite polygamy being illegal in Britain. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that from April 2026, the amount paid in pension credit or housing benefit to husbands and first wives in polygamous marriages will rise by 4.8% to £363.3 (approximately Rs 46,901) per week, up from £346.6 (Rs 44,751). Each additional wife will receive £125.3 (Rs 16,171) per week, an increase from £119.5 (Rs 15,429). There is no limit on the number of wives or husbands who can claim these benefits.
Although polygamy is illegal in the United Kingdom, marriages that took place in countries where it is permitted are considered valid in Britain if the individuals subsequently moved to the UK. This legal nuance has sparked outrage among Conservative MPs, who argue that the benefits system should not support practices that are against British law.
Political Reactions
Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions Helen Whately voiced her strong disapproval, stating, "We don't allow polygamous marriages in the UK. We shouldn't support polygamy in the benefits system. The more I dig into welfare, the more I find to fix." Her comments reflect a broader Conservative stance that the welfare system must align with national laws and values.
Tory MP Katie Lam described the policy as "completely mad," emphasizing that Britain has no history of polygamy. She noted, "It's been illegal to enter into a polygamous marriage in England since 1604. When people come to this country, they should abide by our norms. Allowing them not to and then giving them taxpayer money for it is mental."
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp MP went further, calling the decision "truly insane from a morally bankrupt government." He asserted, "Polygamy is rightly illegal here. We shouldn't pay a penny of benefits to immigrants' claimed multiple wives. In fact, we shouldn't pay non-citizens benefits at all. This is another insult to British taxpayers who fund this nonsense."
Government Response
A DWP spokesperson defended the policy, stating that they believe "very few, if any, polygamous households claim pension credit, housing benefit or any benefit support." They added, "There are robust rules in place, which means there is no financial benefit for polygamous households, to ensure fairness across our benefit system."
