SNP MP Alison Thewliss has called on the United Nations to formally investigate the Tories’ proposed “medieval” rape clause and two-child benefit cap due to come into force in new tax-credit rules next year.

Ms Thewliss slammed the proposals as “unworkable” and “immoral,” adding that “despite repeated questions in Parliament, letters to ministers and a petition that attracted thousands of signatures, we still have no information from this cruel Tory government as to how they plan to implement this pernicious policy.”

The Glasgow Central MP wrote to the UN as she believes the policy breaches at least five articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.