THE Bishop of Durham has joined dozens of faith leaders to call on the Government to rethink its controversial benefits cap on large families.

The Rt Rev Paul Butler is one of 60 Church of England bishops, as well as senior figures from other Christian, Jewish and Muslim groups, to have united over the issue.

Under the so-called ‘two-child’ policy introduced a year ago, parents can claim child tax credits or Universal Credit for only their first two children unless there are special circumstances.

In a letter to The Times newspaper, the Bishop and other religious leaders have warned that the policy is expected to tip an extra 200,000 children into poverty.

They also raise concerns that mothers could face an ‘invidious’ choice between poverty and terminating an unplanned pregnancy.

Bishop Paul said: "As a society, we believe in compassion and justice.

"But right now, many children and families up and down our country are living in poverty.

"A combination of low pay, unstable jobs and high housing and living costs are locking families in a daily struggle to put food on the table.

"It is simply not right that some children get support and others don't.

“We share a moral responsibility to make sure that everyone in our country has a decent standard of living and the same chances in life, no matter who they are or where they come from.

"The Government has an opportunity to right this wrong by removing its two-child limit policy. We urge the Prime Minister to address this burning injustice."

A DWP spokeswoman said: "We have always been clear that this policy will be delivered in the most effective, compassionate way, with the right exceptions and safeguards in place.

"But it's right that people on benefits have to make the same financial choices as those supporting themselves solely through work."