Starmer questioned over Waspi pension decision

Just a reminder, @leicesterliz of what you promised. Hard to see how your statement refusing #WASPI women justice today is a "fair solution". pic.twitter.com/v8Sm0gy8n3

— #WASPI Campaign (@WASPI_Campaign) December 17, 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced intense questioning during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) over the government’s decision not to compensate women born in the 1950s who were affected by changes to the state pension age. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign argues that these women were not properly informed about the increase in their pension age from 60 to 65 (now 66). Despite a report from the parliamentary ombudsman suggesting compensation, the government confirmed it would not pay out. Starmer stated that the UK taxpayer cannot afford the tens of billions of pounds required for compensation.

Yet again @EmmaforWycombe says an announcement on #WASPI compensation will be “soon”. Without a firm deadline this is just kicking the can down the road, and more women will die without compensation. Thanks to @SeamusLoganMP for the question. pic.twitter.com/TOh3e8Xn0h

— #WASPI Campaign (@WASPI_Campaign) December 16, 2024

“Between 2005 and 2007, there was, I think, a 28-month delay in letters to women born in the 1950s about changes to pension age. That was unacceptable, and it was right that the government apologised for that,” Starmer said.

🗣️ @Corri_Wilson: "Keir Starmer previously pledged that he supported the fast and fair payment of compensation to WASPI women but Labour pledges are now no longer worth the paper they were written on."

👉 https://t.co/OANKlzAD2K pic.twitter.com/pzktxZguPI

— ALBA Party (@AlbaParty) December 17, 2024

He acknowledged the complexities involved but maintained that “taxpayers simply can’t afford the tens of billions of pounds in compensation when the evidence shows that 90% of those impacted did know about it.” Several MPs criticized Starmer for his stance, accusing him of betraying the Waspi women after previously supporting their cause.

Starmer defends Waspi pension decision

SNP MP Dave Doogan called Starmer a “one-trick phoney prime minister,” while SDLP MP Claire Hanna expressed disappointment, saying the decision would force affected women back into the courts. Sue Craft from Healing, Grimsby, shared her story of financial strain after arranging her finances to claim her state pension at 60 but later finding out she wouldn’t receive it until 66. “They’ve stolen six years of my pension,” she said, urging the government to offer compensation. Downing Street stated there are “no plans” for a parliamentary vote on the matter. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reiterated her past support for the Waspi campaigners but noted that a promise to compensate them was not included in Labour’s 2024 manifesto. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women affected by the state pension age changes. While the government acknowledges past failures, the financial implications of compensation remain a significant hurdle in addressing their grievances.