Speak up, Ruth
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON TORY Sturgeon challenges Davidson to break cover over her support for shameful rape clause
NICOLA Sturgeon yesterday demanded that Ruth Davidson “break cover” and speak publicly about the Tory Government’s rape clause.
The First Minister slammed the Scottish Tory leader as “shameful” for backing the barbaric new rule that was brought in under welfare changes.
Davidson has so far only released a statement through a spokesman backing the reforms.
The SNP and Labour have called on her to confront Prime Minister Theresa May over the clause. It forces mums who have had a third baby as a result of rape to provide evidence of the attack before they can claim an exemption to a two-child cap on child tax credits.
Sturgeon tweeted yesterday: “@RuthDavidsonMSP defence of appalling rape clause seems to have been via a spokesperson so far. Isn’t it time she gave her view in person?”
The Scottish Conservatives declined to issue an update. Davidson tweeted: “Statement released by my spokesman on child tax credits represents my view. Will be writing to constituents who have contacted me this week.”
The First Minister replied: “So @RuthDavidsonMSP seeks to defend the indefensible – but still can’t bring herself to do it in her own words. Shameful.”
Previously, a spokesman for Davidson said: “The UK Government put in place exemptions to protect women who are faced with very difficult circumstances so they can continue to receive child tax credit for all children in a household.
“We support these exemptions but there is clearly an obligation on the Government, working with third party agencies, to ensure that these cases are dealt with all due care and attention.”
Protesters will gather in Glasgow’s George Square at 6pm today to protest at the rape clause.
Brenna Jessie, who is one of the organisers, said: “No woman should have to prove she was raped to receive child tax credits.”
The Daily Record has joined the SNP and Scottish Labour in calling for the clause to be ditched.
Almost 80 psychologists have warned it could cause “significant harm” to the women affected
The DWP said the welfare reforms are “incentivising work and restoring fairness to the system”.