VIDEO: Ruth Davidson criticised in Holyrood 'rape clause' exchanges

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson was greeted with calls of "shame, shame" after she refused to condemn the UK Government's so-called "rape clause".

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon challenged the Conservative not to "pass the buck" on the child tax credit reform and "tell Scotland straight, do you support the rape clause in principle or do you, like me, think it is utterly abhorrent?"

The Tory responded by saying: "If the First Minister doesn't like the two-child tax policy, she can change it."

MSPs in the Scottish Parliament chanted "shame, shame" and Ms Sturgeon responded: "Shame on Ruth Davidson and shame on the Conservatives."

Welfare reforms introduced by the UK Government earlier this month cut child tax credit and Universal Credit for third or subsequent children

A number of exemptions to the new rules are in place, including multiple birth, adoption and non-consensual pregnancy.

The so-called "rape clause" means women who were the victim of rape or conceived while in a coercive relationship will have to prove their third child was born as a result of this in order to qualify for an exemption.

The SNP leader, speaking during fierce exchanges at First Minister's Questions in Holyrood, added: "We have just seen in this chamber the true colours of Ruth Davidson and the Conservatives.

"Given the opportunity to stand up clearly and join others in this chamber and say the rape clause - a clause that forces a woman to prove she has been raped before claiming benefits for her child - is morally and in principle wrong, Ruth Davidson refuses to do so.

"That is utterly shameful."

The exchanges took place as protesters against the policy gathered outside the Scottish Parliament.