Compensation for WASPI Women Needed

Two weeks ago, I raised compensation for WASPI Women and the need to implement the PHSO’s recommendations twice.

On Wednesday [15th Jan 2025], I attended a Westminster Hall Debate on the topic of compensation for women affected by the changes to the State Pension age. I intervened to highlight how the Government choosing not to implement the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) recommendations for compensation are creating distrust from the public in Parliamentary procedure:

Speaking in the Debate, I said:

“Does [the Member] agree with me that in terms of trust, it is really important that the Government ensures that it helps us have trust in institutions such as the Parliamentary Ombudsman by adhering to the decision made by them?”

The next day [16th January 2025], I asked the Leader of the House when a debate and vote could take place in Government time on implementing the PHSO’s recommendations:

Speaking in the Chamber, I said:

“Given that the PHSO sent the report to Parliament for Parliament to decide, when will the government give time for this debate and vote to take place?”

Following the Government’s response that a decision had already been made, I co-signed a letter to the Secretary and Chancellor from the APPG on State Pension Inequality for Women urging them to review the Government’s approach to the PHSO’s report and allow time for a Parliamentary debate and vote on redress mechanisms:

The findings of the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman were clear: the government failed to provide accurate, adequate and timely information to women affected by the state pension changes. The Ombudsman was equally clear that those affected deserve compensation. The women involved have tirelessly campaigned for justice and deserve our admiration for their persistence, instead, the Government has turned its back on them.

Today in Parliament, the SNP put forward a Ten Minute Rule Bill on the Ombudsman Report and a compensation scheme. The Liberal Democrats voted in favour of the Bill as it will hopefully set forward a pathway to give women across the country the compensation they deserve, including 6350 WASPI women in North East Fife. I was very pleased to see the Bill pass with 105 Ayes and 0 Noes.

I will continue to stand up for WASPI women to ensure they get the compensation they rightly deserve.