SNP is accused of hypocrisy over ‘rape clause’ row
Davidson says Nicola could halt move if she wanted to
NICOLA Sturgeon was last night accused of ‘hypocrisy’ for failing to use Holyrood’s powers to abolish the socalled ‘rape clause’. Under new UK Government reforms, no parent will be able to claim child tax credits for any more than two children.
The ‘rape clause’ is an exemption to ensure women who have a child as a result of rape can receive further tax credits.
Miss Sturgeon has branded the policy ‘disgusting and disgraceful’ as it forces rape victims to choose between lower benefits or disclosing the rape to the Government.
But Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson criticised the First Minister for attacking the UK Government over its policy rather than doing anything about it.
She pointed out Miss Sturgeon now has the power to create new welfare payments in any area – and said introducing a ‘large family benefit’ in Scotland would effectively abolish the rape clause.
Miss Davidson said: ‘I think the hypocrisy from Nicola Sturgeon has been, frankly, staggering.
‘If the SNP were so concerned about this, they have the power for a new benefit so it doesn’t affect anybody. But Nicola Sturgeon would rather attack the Tories than use the power – and I think that is shameful.’
Miss Davidson defended the forms that need to be filled in, saying most of the information is completed by ‘third-party’ agencies such as GPs and healthcare or support workers. She added: ‘They don’t have to prove anything, they don’t have to fill in any questions, they don’t have to tick any boxes – they just have to sign their name.’
But she did agree that the way the policy works should be kept under review, saying: ‘Genuinely, that is something that can be looked at.’
Glasgow Central Nationalist MP Alison Thewliss said: ‘Ruth Davidson has become completely isolated and desperate in her attempts to defend the vile rape clause.
‘It takes a special kind of twisted logic for the Tory leader in Scotland to call for the Scottish parliament to protect families from the vindictive policies of the Tory Government in Westminster.’
Last night, Miss Thewliss and Paisley and Renfrewshire South Nationalist MP Mhairi Black joined 300 people protesting against the rape clause in Glasgow’s George Square. At the event, Miss Black said: ‘This is a disgraceful and disgusting policy that will not happen on our watch. Let’s remember the policy itself is disgraceful, without the rape clause. Surely we should be judged on how we support those that need it most.’
Of the Tories providing Britain’s first two female prime ministers, she added: ‘Your gender doesn’t matter a jot if you kick the ladder away from other women.’
‘Sturgeon has been shameful’