WASPI Campaigners Accuse Keir Starmer of Misleading the Public Over Pension Age Changes
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners have criticised Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for allegedly misleading the public by claiming that 90% of women affected by state pension age changes were aware of the alterations. This follows the government’s decision not to compensate millions of women born in the 1950s, known as WASPI women, who argue they were not adequately informed about the changes.
Controversy Over Communication Claims
The government stated on Tuesday that compensation for the affected women, estimated at £10.5 billion, was not feasible. At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir backed the decision, citing the ombudsman’s report that claimed 90% of the women were aware of the changes. He argued that the financial burden on taxpayers was too great, stating, “The taxpayers simply can't afford the burden.”
However, Angela Madden, Chair of the WASPI campaign, dismissed the 90% statistic as misleading. She clarified that this figure represents women who had only a “vague awareness” that the state pension age might rise for others in the future. Madden emphasised that the ombudsman’s findings indicated that 60% of affected women had “no idea” about the changes, accusing the government of “cherry-picking data” to justify its decision.
“Using this statistic isn’t just misleading; it’s an insult to millions of 1950s-born women who were blindsided by these changes,” Madden said. “Sir Keir Starmer has not heard the last of this issue. The Labour government must act now to address this injustice.”
Rising Criticism from MPs
The decision has drawn criticism from Labour MPs, who argued that the party had previously pledged to compensate WASPI women. Diane Abbott, a senior Labour MP and a WASPI woman herself, expressed her disappointment during Prime Minister’s Questions. “I understand the issue about the cost, but does the prime minister really understand how let down WASPI women feel today?” she asked.
Emma Lewell-Buck, another Labour MP, voiced her continued support for WASPI women, expressing shock and disappointment over the government’s decision. Kate Osborne also criticised the refusal to provide compensation, warning that ignoring the ombudsman’s recommendations to award between £1,000 and £2,950 to the affected women “sets a dangerous precedent.” She added, “Women are too often left to pay the price; we are the shock absorbers of poverty.”
Government Faces Legal and Political Pressure
Independent MP Ian Byrne called for a parliamentary vote to decide whether compensation is owed to WASPI women. However, a spokesperson for Sir Keir confirmed there were no plans for such a vote. Despite this, the controversy has reignited pressure on the government and Labour leadership, with WASPI campaigners exploring legal options to challenge the decision.
As WASPI’s Angela Madden vowed, the fight for justice is far from over. The campaign continues to demand accountability for what they see as a significant failure in communication and policymaking that has left millions of women financially and emotionally strained.
A Fight for Justice
The government’s decision has left WASPI women feeling overlooked and dismissed, sparking widespread criticism and a renewed push for justice. As calls for compensation grow louder, the campaign remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for fairness and transparency in the treatment of women impacted by pension policy changes.
