MPs championing the cause for WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) compensation have blasted the Labour Government for refusing to compensate affected women. Conservative MP Sir John Hayes led a debate in Westminster today (January 15), labelling the treatment of women born in the 1950s as a “betrayal”.
These women saw their state pension age rise from 60 to 65 and then to 66, with many arguing they were not properly informed about the changes. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found ‘maladministration’ in the way the DWP communicated the changes, suggesting compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950.
However, the Government rejected the idea of payouts last month, arguing that most women were aware of the pension age change and that compensating would be an imprudent use of taxpayers’ money. Labour MP John McDonnell expressed his disappointment at the debate. He was the shadow Chancellor during the 2019 General Election when Labour promised a “system of recompense” for the WASPI women.
The longstanding MP said: “Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It’s crushed their confidence in the whole system.” Mr McDonnell urged Labour ministers to take action, stating: “I have to say to my own party in Government, what we need now is the Government to sit down with the WASPI women.
“Either implement this scheme or mediate for an alternative. We need action. This issue isn’t going to go away, we’re not going to go away. The women aren’t going away. Tragically some of them are dying, but this campaign will go on until we secure justice.”
Many MPs have previously rallied behind the cause, with the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, and the Green Party showing their support for the campaign. DUP MP Carla Lockhart highlighted the plight of thousands of WASPI women in Northern Ireland, who feel “absolutely betrayed by this Government”.
She stated: “Women today are in financial hardship because of this betrayal. It is morally indefensible that not a penny has been made available to these women.” Rebecca Long-Bailey, a staunch supporter of the WASPI movement, likewise called for a reversal of the decision.
She insisted: “We must be clear. State-level injustice is state-level injustice. It can’t be ignored. An apology alone is not sufficient, and we must see a remedy forthcoming to address the clear and apparent injustice these women have faced.”
The WASPI campaign group is set to present their case at an upcoming evidence session for the Work and Pensions Committee. Angela Madden, chair of the WASPI campaign, commented on the importance of the session.
She explained: “That will be an opportunity for us to talk to the committee about what are our options now, what we would like to happen now. The select committee is part of the Government process.
“They are the people who hold the Department of Work and Pensions to account. A letter from them or a request from them has to be taken seriously by the department.” This session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22.