Minister under attack over rape clause

Work and Pensions Secretary Esther Mcvey has been accused of “callous disregard” after insisting the UK government’s socalled rape clause “strikes the right balance”.

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale wrote to Ms Mcvey urging her to review the “invasive and degrading” policy on her appointment to the role in Prime Minister Theresa May’s reshuffle earlier this year.

Under UK government benefit reforms, families are limited to claiming child tax credits for their first two children. The controversial clause requires women to prove their third child was conceived through rape or during an abusive relationship to qualify for the benefit.

Ms Mcvey said: “We believe that this approach strikes the right balance between ensuring claimants in these circumstances get the support they are entitled to in a manner that respects the sensitive nature of the disclosure they are required to make to a relevant professional to obtain the exception, whilst at the same time providing reassurance to the government that the additional support is going to those for whom it is intended.”

But Ms Dugdale said the reply showed a “callous disregard for the impact of the rape clause”.