Keir Starmer faces WASPI insurrection as Labour MPs be a part of 100 demanding U-turn
A letter signed by 100 MPs – including 15 Labour backbenchers – has called on the Government to issue payouts to millions of 1950s-born women
Pressure is growing to award compensation to WASPI women(Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer faces a fresh rebellion as Labour MPs joined calls for a U-turn on WASPI payouts.
Fifteen backbenchers are among 100 cross-party MPs calling for him to rethink the decision not to award compensation. A letter sent to the PM – also signed by members from the Lib Dems, Tories, Reform, the SNP, independents and DUP – said the decision to deny millions of 1950s-born women must be reversed.
Ministers are weighing up their next move after new evidence came to light last year. The letter states: ““The Government was right to carefully reconsider its position on the Winter Fuel Payment, Personal Independence Payments, and most recently, inheritance tax relief on agricultural properties.
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“We hope the coming weeks will allow you to reach the right decision for 1950s-born women.” Lib Dem work and pensions spokesman Steve Darling said: “Ministers need to stop hiding behind reviews and start delivering justice for the 1950s-born women who have waited far too long for fairness.”
The Government is under pressure to reverse its decision not to award compensation of £1,000 to £2,950 to 3.6million women. WASPI had been set for a court clash at the start of December demanding a judicial review – but legal action is on hold pending the outcome of the latest review.
Failures at the DWP meant the decision to increase the state pension age for women was not properly communicated. The worst-affected were plunged into poverty after being unable to plan for the future as a result.
These women were impacted by their state pension age increasing from 60 to 65 and then 66.
Angela Madden, who chairs the WASPI campaign, said: “It’s high time that ministers stopped stalling and started compensating WASPI women.
“The strength of support across the country is palpable, evidenced by one letter being sent every 30 seconds by people from all walks of life to their MPs.
“We have been overwhelmed by growing levels of support in Parliament too. The next few weeks are crucial for Labour ministers to demonstrate they hear the voices of their backbenchers and hundreds across Parliament loud and clear.”
