WASPI Women Press for Compensation Following Labour's U-Turn on Welfare Cuts

The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reverse course once more and address their requests for compensation after Labour's recent acknowledgment of welfare cuts. Just last night, the Prime Minister conceded to pressures from rebellious MPs by modifying the planned reductions in the welfare bill, marking his second significant policy change in a short period. Earlier, he had agreed to a £1.25 billion reversal regarding Winter Fuel aid, increasing the demand from WASPI for a resolution on their long-standing issue surrounding the state pension age.

Angela Madden, the Chairman of WASPI, expressed frustration, stating that the changes related to Winter Fuel and the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) represent two major errors by Labour. She advocated for compensation, claiming a third turnaround would reflect the urgent needs of women born in the 1950s who are entitled to around £3,000 each as echoed by the Independent Ombudsman’s findings. Madden criticized the government's ongoing legal battles against the group, arguing that taxpayer funds should not be wasted in court when they could be used to fulfill the Ombudsman's recommendations.

The ongoing situation has heightened tensions among campaigners, many of whom believed Labour's previous assurances regarding support. Shelagh Simmons of Solent WASPI noted the disheartening shift in stance from Labour politicians who once supported their cause. The group is reportedly seeking at least £10 billion in total compensation, which would benefit approximately 3.6 million women grappling with increased working years due to legislative changes from decades past.

The momentum continues as some MPs, including Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, are pushing for further discussions in Parliament on this pressing issue. Long-Bailey emphasized the need to bring attention to the injustice faced by these women and ensure the government addresses potential solutions. She stated that there is a significant collective effort among MPs to advocate for compensation and that it is crucial to present the arguments for redress to the government once again.