BBC Question Time guest says she can 'think of other ways to make money' in 'saucy' swipe

The audience on BBC Question Time couldn't contain their laughter last night after a guest quipped about "earning money".

Political journalist Ava Evans emphasised our national duty to prevent kids from facing school days hungry, advocating lifting the two-child benefit cap, a move that would be economical for taxpayers. Labour's leader Sir Keir Starmer has recently signalled potential relaxation of the restriction, a Tory policy limiting claims for child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children born after April 2017.

Commotion ensued during this week's intense debate at Question Time in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. An audience member implied abolishing the cap might dissuade people from working, but Ms Evans, political editor at PoliticsJOE, pointed out: "Do you know that it is only £20 a week and then £17 for the additional child? I wouldn't go into having a third child for £17 a week. It works out to be around £1,000 a year. I could think of other ways I could make money... Probably."

Her cheeky comment sparks humour as the footage shows the reporter smirking and both panel and audience erupting in mirth. Ms Evans joins in with laughing before Tim Montgomerie, another panelist, interjects: "Saucy."

Host Fiona Bruce adds: "What an interesting way to start your time on Question Time.", reports

Amid chuckles, Ms Evans regathers her poise to rebut points raised earlier in the discussion.

"Gordon Brown revealed there could be one million children that could be lifted out of poverty, just by ending the child-benefit cap... It will save the taxpayer £40billion in measures that are put in place to prevent these children from not dying... but this is really where we are at," Ms Evans passionately stated during the discussion, citing her sister's experiences as a teacher to support abolishing the restriction.

"Children are going to school every single day hungry, and they may not be eating lunch at school because they do not have enough money for lunch. When they get home, their parents are splitting their meals perhaps between three or four children. I think the least we could do on a moral point is allow these parents to have an extra £17 a week, so that a child doesn't go hungry."

Receiving a round of applause was Ms Evans, who impressed with her compelling remarks on her Question Time debut last Thursday. Even Mr Montgomerie, a political activist affiliated with the Reform Party, acknowledged the merit in Ms Evans' statement with his applause.

While Keir Starmer dismissed axing the two-child benefit cap in 2023, the Prime Minister has recently prompted speculation regarding a policy reversal by stating, "We'll look at all options of driving down child poverty."

This hint might signal the strongest indication to date that he may well reconsider the cap.