INVERCLYDE politicians have clashed over the hugely controversial ‘rape clause’ rule introduced by the Tory government for women claiming tax credits.

The benefits are now limited to two children, but could be claimed for a third child only if the mother can prove she was raped.

Inverclyde SNP MP Ronnie Cowan said the two child policy and rape clause is unworkable, immoral and has been condemned by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 

Mr Cowan said: “The Tories’ medieval two child policy and vile rape clause shows the true extent of the UK Government’s cruel, ideologically driven hacking of the social security system.

“Any suggestion that vulnerable women should relive the trauma of being raped simply to claim tax credits is repugnant, repressive and regressive.”

Now he has challenged Tory West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene, from Greenock, to condemn the changes.

Mr Greene responded by saying that current claimants won’t have any reduction in their benefits. 

He said: “During widespread consultation on these reforms, 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.”

He said there is an obligation on the government, working with third party agencies, to ensure these cases receive suitable due care and attention.

Mr Greene added: “I have faith that the hard-working Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff will do so.

“For example, the DWP has made clear that women in such a difficult scenario will be offered appropriate support from experienced third party professionals who will be able to confirm that exceptions should apply.

“Any suggestion otherwise is shameful political point-scoring on such a sensitive issue.”

But Mr Cowan today hit back over Mr Greene’s comments.

He said: “It’s utterly shameful that Jamie Greene and his Conservative Party colleagues in Scotland are trying to defend the ‘rape clause’ policy. 

“Is the UK Government really telling women who’ve been raped that they have to complete an eight page document to indicate they’ve conceived a third child through rape, so they can claim tax credits?”