COWDENBEATH MSP, Annabelle Ewing, has hit out at the conduct of Tory MSPs during a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the tax credit family cap and its associated rape clause.

Ms Ewing said: “What we saw in the Scottish Parliament this evening was the real face of the Tory Party in Scotland.

"Away from cutesy photocalls, the mask slipped as they sought to defend the appalling tax credit family cap and rape clause legislation brought in by their friends in Westminster".

She added: “By refusing to take interventions in speeches and looking studiously at their desks during others speeches they may have thought they could escape the criticism levelled at them and their policies by speakers from every other party in the chamber but they will not be allowed to hide from this shameful episode.”

Ms Ewing promised to maintain the pressure but Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has stressed that the Scottish Government has powers to change the legislation in Scotland.