Two parliamentary motions have gained renewed support from MPs advocating for compensation for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) generation, who were significantly impacted by the increase in their state pension age. Despite a previous Labour Party stance against compensation, citing widespread awareness of the change and fiscal concerns, MPs continue to call for action and a reassessment of the government's decision.
MPs continue to show strong support for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) cause, with two parliamentary motions gaining renewed backing. A number of MPs have expressed their support for compensation for the WASPI generation of women, many reiterating their stance during a debate in Westminster Hall this week (January 15). Women born in the 1950s were significantly impacted when their state pension age was raised from 60 to 65 and subsequently to 66.
Many claim they were unaware of this major change, which disrupted their retirement plans. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concluded that there was 'maladministration' in how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) communicated the change, suggesting payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950. However, last month Labour announced that there would be no compensation scheme, arguing that most of the women were aware of the change and that providing payouts would not be a wise use of taxpayer funds. Following this decision, MPs supporting the cause initiated two separate early day motions, which have recently received fresh support. One motion 'condemns the Government's refusal to provide any compensation', urging ministers to 'rethink this heartless decision'. The motion also emphasizes that the Liberal Democrats have been advocating for 'fair compensation' for the women for many years. The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Green Party have also consistently backed the campaign, reports The Express. A total of 46 MPs have now endorsed one of the motions, with former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell being the most recent addition. In a passionate contribution during the Westminster Hall debate, McDonnell articulated the disappointment felt by many: 'Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It's crushed their confidence in the whole system.' He urged his Labour colleagues in government to engage with the issue: 'I have to say to my own party in Government, what we need now is the Government to sit down with the WASPI women.' He underscored the urgency for resolution: 'Either implement this scheme or mediate for an alternative. We need action. This issue isn't going to go away, we're not going away. The women aren't going away. Tragically some of them are dying, but this campaign will go on until we secure justice.' McDonnell also extends his support to another early day motion calling on the Government 'to reverse this decision, and finally deliver justice for the 3.6 million affected 1950s-born women,' which currently carries 11 MP signatures. During the same debate, Pensions minister Torsten Bell offered a counter-argument on behalf of those reluctant to support the WASPI cause, emphasizing fiscal responsibility: 'As custodians of the public purse, we must also ensure that decisions are rooted in evidence and are fair to everyone.' He made it clear that awareness of the state pension age rise was widespread, stating: '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.
WASPI State Pension Age Increase Compensation Parliament Labour Party John Mcdonnell Torsten Bell Government Opposition
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