MPs are continuing to show their support for the WASPI cause with two motions in Parliament gaining fresh support.
Many individual MPs support compensation for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) generation of women, with many members reinforcing their support for the campaign at a debate in Westminster Hall this week (January 15).
The 1950s-born women were affected when their state pension age increased from 60 to 65 and then 66, with many claiming they did not know about this huge change, throwing into disarray their retirement plans.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concluded there was “maladministration” in how the DWP communicated the change, recommending payouts ranging from £1,000 and £2,950.
But Labour announced last month that there would be no compensation scheme, saying most of the women did know about the change, and that granting payouts wouldn’t be a good use of taxpayer funds.
After this decision, MPs backing the cause set up two separate early day motions, which have recently had fresh support.
One of the motions “condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation”, urging ministers to “rethink this heartless decision”.
The motion also notes that the Liberal Democrats have called for “fair compensation” for the women for many years. The SNP and the Green Party have also consistently backed the campaign.
This motion has now been signed by 46 MPs at the time of writing, with former shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, the latest to sign it.
Mr McDonnell spoke out at the debate in Westminster Hall this week, saying of the decision not to compensate: “Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It’s crushed their confidence in the whole system.”
He urged Labour ministers to act, saying: “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.”
Mr McDonnell is also the latest to sign another early day motion urging the Government “to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women”.
This has been signed by 11 MPs at present. Pensions minister Torsten Bell provided a response to the MPs who spoke out in favour of the WASPI cause at this week’s debate.
He said: “As custodians of the public purse, we must also ensure that decisions are rooted in evidence and are fair to everyone.
“The fact remains that the vast majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing. Even for those who didn’t, we know that sending letters earlier would not have made a difference in most cases.
“So while I know this decision will be disappointing, as we are hearing, and many have had frustrations at watching this debate drag on for years, we believe it is the right course of action.”
