Starmer Hints at Resolution: WASPI Women Await Long-Overdue Justice
The long-standing issue surrounding the Waspi women may soon reach a conclusion, as Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that his administration will address a critical report concerning the controversy.
Mounting Pressure on the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is currently facing increasing demands to respond to a review conducted by the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman. This review indicates that up to 3 million women born in the 1950s should be eligible for compensation.
Despite the Ombudsman report being released nine months ago, the previous Conservative Government postponed any action before the general election, citing financial concerns.
Criticism from Waspi Campaigners
Starmer has been criticised by Waspi campaigners for not clearly outlining his government's plans regarding the report. The Waspi women, representing Women Against State Pension Inequality, have long advocated for compensation, arguing that they were driven into financial hardship when the Department for Work and Pensions failed to notify them about the increase in the state pension age.
During the general election, Starmer accused the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak, of avoiding the issue by not detailing his response to the Waspi report. However, campaigners argue that the current Prime Minister is guilty of similar inaction since assuming office.
Imminent Government Response
In a sign that action may be forthcoming, Starmer informed reporters that a response is on the horizon. The DWP Secretary (Liz Kendall) will be making a statement on this matter in the near future, he stated while en route to the G20 summit in Brazil. This is a very serious report, and the DWP Secretary will outline the response.
This follows criticism from Waspi campaigners directed at Chancellor Rachel Reeves for omitting any reference to potential compensation in her Budget last month. An analysis released by the group last week estimated that approximately 300,000 women had passed away without receiving any government support for the pension oversight.
Proposed Compensation and Government's Stance
In March, the Ombudsman report suggested compensating Waspi women with amounts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 each due to the Government's shortcomings. However, campaigners argue that each affected woman has lost approximately £50,000 in state pension payments.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated last week that she is working as quickly as possible to formulate a government response. Pensions minister Emma Reynolds informed the Commons last week: The ombudsman took six years to examine a range of complex cases, and we are currently assessing the complexity of these cases. I was the first minister in six years to meet with representatives of the Waspi campaign. We hope to provide an update to the House in the coming weeks.
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