Millions of women affected by the state pension age changes are still waiting for a resolution as the government faces growing pressure to act. The campaign, led by Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), centres on calls for fair compensation for women born in the 1950s, who argue that they were not given adequate notice of the state pension age increase. With one affected woman reportedly dying every 13 minutes, campaigners say time is running out for the government to provide justice.
During a heated session in Parliament, ministers were urged to clarify the progress of the compensation process, sparking frustration among campaigners and MPs alike. Here’s an in-depth look at the current state of the WASPI campaign and the government’s response.
The WASPI Campaign and Its Long Fight for Justice
The WASPI movement has been advocating for justice since it emerged that many women born in the 1950s had received little to no warning about the government’s plans to raise the state pension age. These changes, intended to equalise the retirement age for men and women, have left millions facing financial hardship. Many women had planned their retirement based on the previous state pension age of 60, only to discover late in life that they would have to wait until 65 or 66.
Campaigners argue that this lack of communication left women with insufficient time to make alternative financial arrangements. In response, the Parliamentary Ombudsman launched an investigation, concluding that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had committed maladministration by failing to communicate the changes effectively. However, despite the Ombudsman’s findings, the path to compensation has been fraught with delays.
Parliamentary Debate Brings Tensions to the Fore
The ongoing delays were brought into sharp focus during a session in Parliament yesterday, December 16th, where Seamus Logan MP (SNP) pressed ministers for answers. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he stated:
“On December 4, my colleague the honourable member for Moray West asked the Prime Minister about WASPI women and was told the government was working at pace. Since then, 14 or 1500 more women have died without justice of compensation. Can the minister tell us what ‘working at pace’ means and give us a timeline?”
This pointed question underscores the frustration shared by many MPs and campaigners over the government’s perceived inaction.
In response, Emma Reynolds, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, defended the government’s efforts while acknowledging the complexity of the issue. She stated:
“I thank him for that question. I was the first minister for eight years to meet with the WASPI campaigners to listen to their concerns. The ombudsman took six years to investigate six cases. We are working at pace on this issue. We hope to come to the house soon to update him and the public on what we’re going to do next.”
While Reynolds’ comments were meant to reassure Parliament, they failed to appease campaigners, who argue that listening is no substitute for action.
WASPI Campaigners Demand Urgent Action
Campaigners, including WASPI chair Angela Madden, have criticised the government’s approach, calling for immediate compensation. Madden stated:
“Respect is not shown just by ‘listening’ to WASPI women as ministers have indicated. It is shown by acting swiftly on the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s clear instructions to compensate those affected.”
Madden went on to highlight the growing public support for the campaign, pointing to a petition that has gathered over 135,000 signatures. She added:
“The overwhelming support across the country for fair compensation shows how critical this issue is. Only the Government has the power to deliver it. With one WASPI woman dying every 13 minutes, ministers would be wise to bring their compensation proposals to Parliament without any further delay.”
The campaign has called for compensation payments of £10,000 or more, arguing that the financial and emotional toll on affected women justifies significant redress.
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