Waspi Saga Nears Resolution as Starmer Promises Imminent Action
The long-running campaign by Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) is approaching a pivotal moment, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer hints at a forthcoming government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's (PHSO) report. This report, which exposed government failings in notifying millions of women born in the 1950s about changes to the state pension age, has sparked years of protests and calls for compensation.
The Ombudsman found that these women were not given adequate notice of the pension age equalization, leaving many financially unprepared and forced into poverty. It recommended compensation ranging from £1,250 to £2,950 per individual, far below the estimated £50,000 many campaigners argue these women lost due to delayed pensions. Yet, over nine months after the report's publication, no compensation plan has been finalized, leaving campaigners frustrated and over 300,000 affected women passing away without resolution.
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During the general election, Starmer criticized former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for inaction on the Waspi issue, accusing him of "kicking the can down the road." However, since taking office, Starmer himself has faced criticism for the continued delays. Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, Starmer assured that a decision is imminent, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall expected to make a statement soon. He acknowledged the report's gravity and expressed commitment to addressing its findings.
Waspi campaigners were disappointed when Chancellor Rachel Reeves excluded any mention of compensation in her recent budget. The omission has heightened tensions among those awaiting justice, particularly given that financial restitution was allocated for other scandals like the Post Office Horizon case. Campaigners argue this demonstrates a lack of priority for the Waspi cause.
Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi campaign, highlighted the human cost of this delay, noting that one affected woman dies every 13 minutes without seeing justice. The stakes are high for the government to act decisively and bring closure to a saga that has spanned nearly a decade. Many await further details, hoping for meaningful compensation that acknowledges the hardship endured by these women.
As public pressure mounts and the government promises a resolution, the coming weeks could finally determine the outcome of this historic fight for equality and justice.
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