Fury as McVey defends ‘rape clause’
A TORY minister sparked outrage yesterday after she insisted the so-called ‘rape clause’ gives victims the ‘chance to talk’.
Esther McVey was quizzed by MSPs at Holyrood about the cap that means families can receive child tax credits only for their first two children.
Rape victims can claim for additional children if they were conceived as a result of an assault – but they must speak to a thirdparty assessor.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said the policy had been designed to ensure a ‘fairness’ between those seeking benefits and those working.
However, the ‘rape clause’ has outraged many – with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branding it ‘disgusting’. Miss McVey was heckled as she appeared before the social security committee, with security guards forced repeatedly to suspend the meeting to regain order.
MSPs quizzed her on the cap on child tax credit and the roll-out of Universal Credit.
When asked about the two-child policy, Miss McVey said: ‘People will be supported and shown to the various organisations – and again this could give them an opportunity to talk about maybe something that’s happened that they never had before.
‘So, it’s potentially double support there – they’re getting the money they need and maybe an outlet they might possibly need.’
The third parties include charities and groups who help victims of sexual assault. But a number of women’s charities have said they will boycott the policy, while others have called the clause ‘degrading’ and ‘inhumane’.
The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the cap in March.
Responding to criticism, Miss McVey said: ‘There will be no invasive or delving questions asked.
‘They’ve obviously come forward with this reason, and for this extra support, and it will be done in the most sensitive manner. It is in light of providing financial support that they seek.’
But Nationalist MSP George Adam said: ‘The Tories clearly aren’t listening to the absolute outrage this despicable policy is causing – or the stark warnings about its impact.
‘It’s time the Tories saw sense and scrapped their two-child policy and the rape clause.’
Miss McVey also spoke about Universal Credit, which has been criticised over delays in some people being able to claim benefits.
The SNP’s Ben MacPherson asked Miss McVey to apologise for ‘suffering and distress’ caused by the ‘cynical and critical’ system, which was set up to roll several benefits into one direct payment.
Miss McVey said she was ‘not oblivious to people who are incredibly vulnerable or are in need’.
But Labour MSP Pauline McNeil said: ‘This was a disgraceful performance from a Work and Pensions Secretary who is completely out of touch with the reality of life for low-income women on tax credits.
‘To badge up the vile rape clause as some sort of virtuous policy to provide support is simply skin-crawling.’
‘It is simply skin-crawling’