FM backs Women’s Aid crowdfunding bid

Nicola Sturgeon yesterday asked people to support a crowdfunding campaign by Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid.

The first minister tweeted an appeal for money to fund a court action against the UK Government’s decision to limit child tax credit to the first two children, the so-called rape clause.

The £4,000 target was quickly met and at the time of going to press pledges were closing in on a new so-called stretch target of £20,000.

On their online funding groups posted a statement saying: “Thanks to your amazing support we’ve reached our target for our appeal to end the two-child tax credit policy!

“What an incredible response we’ve had on the last day. Thanks to you, we can now challenge this inhumane policy and protect vulnerable women across the country.”

Colin McAllister, one of the first minister’s special advisers, also retweeted an appeal by Rape Crisis Scotland urging women to make contact if they have suffered abuse or harassment.

SNP leader Ms Sturgeon had voiced her “huge sadness” over Mr Salmond’s decision to quit the SNP while claims he sexually harassed two women are investigated. She said she understood why he had chosen to relinquish his party membership, however.

She has given her full backing to the Scottish Government, which Mr Salmond is taking to the Court of Session over the investigation process.