We are too free with benefits

Sir, - At First Minister’s Questions on April 25, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed contrived rage at what has become referred to as the rape clause. What’s the truth?

This legislation was rolled out into law in 2015 by then Chancellor George Osborne.

The purpose was to cap tax credits to the first two children, exempting mothers who delivered multiple births and those who had been raped.

Rape is a particularly horrendous crime, the effects of which are life long for the violated female, of that there is no doubt.

It was for this reason the sympathy of parliament called for the inclusion of the amendment, even though the number of raped women falling into this category is estimated at 1.25% of the total offended against.

The notion these women would suffer unwarranted, intrusive and traumatising interviews by DWP staff is a nonsense.

Such information as required could be provided by other sources and relayed to DWP.

What is unpardonable is Nicola Sturgeon has been aware of this cap since 2015.

The SNP had power to amend or remove the cap. They chose not to, preferring to berate the Tories as the nasty, uncaring party.

It is only fair and reasonable that parents who seek to enlarge their family must accept financial responsibility for doing so.

It is not for the state to bankroll them. This attitude is a leftover from the more generous benefit culture we can no longer afford. AG Walker. Puddledub Cottage, Guthrie.