DEMANDS for an emergency parliamentary debate on the introduction of a so-called “rape clause” into the tax credits system have been refused.

Glasgow Central SNP MP Alison Thewliss tried to force an emergency debate on a “deeply flawed” policy change which will require rape victims to prove their third child was born as a result of sexual violence to qualify for tax credits.

However, Speaker John Bercow turned down her bid for a Commons debate on the forthcoming changes, which would limit tax credits to two children.

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Ms Thewliss told MPs: “Women who face the worst trauma of their lives, being raped, becoming pregnant as a result of that most serious and dangerous of sexual assaults, and then being forced to relive that trauma in order just to claim tax credits. That’s a gross, despicable invasion of privacy.”

Mr Bercow turned down the application for an urgent debate, but said that “a prayer” had been tabled against the plans.

He told Ms Thewliss: “I am afraid I am not persuaded that the matter is proper to be discussed under standing order 24.”