As many as 100 Labour MPs are expressing discontent over the government's refusal to compensate Waspi women affected by the rise in the state pension age. The Liberal Democrats and SNP plan to force a Commons vote in the new year, potentially leading to a significant revolt within Labour ranks. The Waspi issue is seen as a culmination of frustrations over recent government policies, including winter fuel payment cuts and the two-child benefit cap.
As many as 100 Labour MPs are 'deeply unhappy' that payments for Waspi women have been ruled out. Dozens could rebel if there is a vote on the issue
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall sparked outrage from activists on Tuesday by firmly rejecting the idea of financial redress, arguing that it would not be a “fair or proportionate” use of taxpayers’ money.Starmer’s Government accepted that there had been “maladministration” in the failure to properly notify women of the changes, but rejected the parliamentary ombudsman’s recommendation of compensation.
“It’s difficult to know numbers,” Duncan-Jordan said on the size of the looming rebellion. “But lots of MPs who have been loyal up to this point are finding it less easy to carry on being loyal. There is a sense with some MPs that this issue is the last straw.” In September, a further group of 12 Labour backbenchers who abstained during a vote over the removal of universal winter fuel payments received a stern letter from the whips warning them not to do so again.
“They are dozens of MPs deeply unhappy – maybe 100,” they said. “But talking up the numbers who would actually vote against their own Government, it’s often overestimated massively.” Another Labour backbencher said frustration had built-up over a series of decisions, including rural MPs facing the backlash over the inheritance tax imposed on farmers.
“They will have to threaten the same, and deliver on that threat,” the No 10 veteran said on the Waspi row. “It’s one thing saying, ‘We don’t like this’. But trying to get everyone to agree on compensation is different,” said former Lib Dem pensions minister Steve Webb.
Politics Labour Party Waspi Women Pension Age Rebellion
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Labour MPs Divided Over WASPI Campaign as Government Rejects CompensationCampaigners for Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) protest outside Parliament on Budget Day, demanding compensation for women born in the 1950s affected by changes to the state pension age. The SNP has signaled potential support for forcing a vote on the issue, while some Labour MPs, including Ian Byrne, express willingness to defy the party whip to back the WASPI campaign. However, the Labour Party and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall have rejected calls for compensation.
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Labour MPs Pledge Support for WASPI Campaign Despite Party StanceLabour MPs are expressing their support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, despite the party's decision against supporting compensation for affected women. Some MPs, including Ian Byrne, are willing to defy the whip to vote in favor of the campaign. The SNP has also signaled its intent to force a vote on the issue.
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Labour MPs Criticize Government's Refusal to Compensate Waspi WomenKeir Starmer and other Labour MPs are facing criticism from their own party after the government decided not to provide billions of pounds in compensation to women affected by changes in the pension age. The Waspi campaigners, who previously enjoyed support from senior Labour figures, are now calling for a reconsideration of the decision.
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Waspi compensation ruling could put 100 Labour seats at riskMany Labour MPs are in seats where the number of Waspi women far outstrips their majority
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MPs Demand Parliamentary Debate on WASPI Pension CompensationTwo MPs urged for a parliamentary debate on compensating millions of 1950s-born women affected by changes to their retirement age. The call follows the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's recommendation for compensation, which the government rejected citing costs.
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