Women affected by State Pension Inequality—known as WASPI women—have spoken out after the Labour government backed away from the previously anticipated Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) compensation bill. These women are now demanding a £2,950 payout and a full reversal of Labour’s decision.
Political Reactions: Cross-Party Concerns Rise
Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, highlighted the government’s failure to resolve an ongoing injustice, stating:
“This is an obvious injustice that remains unaddressed—and it also creates a very dangerous precedent for future decisions.”
Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP in Westminster, emphasized that political will is essential. He urged Labour backbenchers to leverage their influence and correct what he described as a “historic, grievous wrong“.
Labour MP Speaks Out: Ombudsman Report Dismissal Sparks Backlash
Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on State Pension Inequality for Women, voiced serious concerns over the decision to dismiss the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s recommendations. She warned:
“This is dangerous and unprecedented. It suggests the Government can now ignore any independent recommendations on state injustice.”
Long-Bailey likened the denial of the Ombudsman’s findings to “arguing that the world is flat,” underlining the absurdity and severity of ignoring a well-established investigation.
WASPI Campaign Chair Demands Urgent Action
Angela Madden, Chair of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, criticized the lack of immediate action:
“We shouldn’t have to wait for more debates or lengthy court proceedings. WASPI women deserve justice now.”
Madden called on ministers to reconsider, warning that a failure to act could result in another public relations embarrassment, similar to recent forced U-turns on PIP and welfare cuts.
Warning Over WASPI Compensation Scams
In a concerning development, campaigners have identified fraudulent websites falsely claiming that the government has launched a WASPI compensation scheme. These scam sites often appear in search results or email links, using phrases like “Waspi” or “Waspi compensation” to deceive women into submitting personal details.
Women are being urged to stay alert and avoid interacting with unofficial platforms that request sensitive information.
Conclusion
The latest developments surrounding the WASPI campaign underline a pressing need for the government to acknowledge past injustices and deliver the compensation that has long been demanded. With cross-party support, growing public pressure, and the rejection of credible recommendations from the Ombudsman, the issue has reached a critical juncture. If Labour wishes to restore trust, it must reconsider its stance and ensure WASPI women are fairly compensated—without delay.
FAQs
1. What does WASPI stand for?
WASPI stands for Women Against State Pension Inequality, a group campaigning for women born in the 1950s who were negatively affected by changes to the UK’s state pension age.
2. How much compensation are WASPI women demanding?
They are seeking £2,950 each in compensation based on the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s findings.
3. Did the Labour government support this compensation earlier?
There were previous signs of support, but the current administration has now stepped back, refusing to act on the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
4. Is there an official government compensation scheme for WASPI women?
No. Despite online claims, the government has not announced any compensation program. Websites suggesting otherwise may be scams.
5. What should women do if they see “WASPI compensation” links online?
They should avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, not share personal information, and check for updates only on verified campaign or government websites.