A GLASGOW MP has accused a senior UK Government minister of showing “no compassion” for rape victims following a meeting on a controversial welfare policy.

Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central made the claims – which are disputed by Whitehall officials – after she met with Lord Freud, Minister of State for Welfare Reform at the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) yesterday to discuss the child tax credits ‘rape clause’.

The plans, to be introduced in 2017, mean people will not be able to claim tax credits for more than two children.

Concerns have been raised about women who have a third child as a result of rape as they will have to explain this to officials in order to be eligible.

Ms Thewliss claimed Lord Freud and the DWP showed no compassion for women who become pregnant as a result of rape, and described the meeting as “the most frustrating and soul destroying meetings I’ve ever had to endure in my nine years of elected public office”.

However, a spokesman for the peer’s department said her version of the discussion was both “ inaccurate and deliberately misleading.”

Ms Thewliss launched a scathing attack on the minster and said: “Lord Freud showed no compassion for the vulnerable women and families who will be subjected to some of the most draconian welfare reforms in the world.

“This Government clearly does not appreciate that the majority of rapes happen within abusive relationships, and that pushing women to claim could place them and their children in a very dangerous position.

“During the course of the meeting, Lord Freud suggested that women should “just flee”, without appreciating how incredibly difficult that can be.

“That is simply unacceptable and confirms my worst fears that this is the most uncaring, heartless and cruel Government yet.”

A DWP spokesman said:“This is an inaccurate and deliberately misleading account of a private meeting. We know this is a sensitive issue and have been clear that we will develop appropriate exemptions and protections.

“We want to make sure this support is compassionate and effective, which is why we are engaging with MPs and working with a range of stakeholders, including religious groups, to ensure this exemption is delivered in the best way possible.”