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Government Faces Backlash Over Compensation Decision for Waspi Women

The controversy surrounding the government’s refusal to compensate women born in the 1950s, known as the Waspi women, is escalating, with reports indicating that as many as 100 Labour MPs may oppose the government’s stance if a vote is called. This sentiment reflects deep frustration within Labour ranks, particularly under the leadership of Keir Starmer.

On Tuesday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall formally announced that the government would not provide the anticipated £10 billion in compensation despite a parliamentary ombudsman’s recommendation in March for payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 to each of the over three million affected women.

During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, the Prime Minister denied MPs the opportunity to vote on compensation, asserting that taxpayers could not shoulder the proposed £10.5 billion package. This assertion drew sharp criticism from his own party members, some of whom branded it a “betrayal.”

The Liberal Democrats are intensifying their push for a vote on this contentious issue. If the government declines, they are considering alternative approaches, such as a backbench debate or an opposition day.

Some within Labour drew parallels between the current situation and the party’s historical stance on tuition fees, highlighting their previous solidarity with campaign groups advocating for the Waspi women. Many MPs reportedly feel a sense of embarrassment over this turn of events, believing they were aligned with Labour policy in supporting the women.

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott lashed out at the government during PMQs, insisting that the party had promised justice to the Waspi women. She questioned whether the Prime Minister comprehended the depth of disappointment felt by these women regarding the government’s decision.

Independent MP Ian Byrne, who is currently suspended from Labour, characterized the Waspi women as victims of state injustice and prompted the Prime Minister to allow MPs to vote on their entitlement to compensation.

In response, Starmer sidestepped the voting question, focusing instead on the facts surrounding awareness of the pension age changes. He emphasized that under the current economic climate, the taxpayer should not be expected to absorb such a substantial financial burden.

Following the announcement, Downing Street indicated that there were “no plans” for a parliamentary vote on the matter, stating that MPs were given their opportunity to respond when the decision was made public.

While the issue of compensation was not explicitly promised in Labour’s manifesto, Starmer and his senior team, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Kendall, previously endorsed the Waspi campaign when in opposition.

Reeves articulated the government’s position earlier on Wednesday, prioritizing improvements to public services over a costly compensation bill, arguing that most women were aware of the changes to the pension age.

She remarked, “I understand that women affected by the changes to the state pension age feel disappointed by this decision… I didn’t judge that it would be the best use of taxpayers’ money.”

Rebecca Hilsenrath, the ombudsman, condemned the government’s refusal to consider compensation, emphasizing the expectation that public bodies acknowledge mistakes and take corrective action for those affected.

Despite the backlash, Conservative MPs expressed their discontent with the government’s stance on Waspi women. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith acknowledged that the Tories might not have offered compensation either.

Kemi Badenoch’s spokesperson highlighted that no promise for compensation had been made and underscored the need for transparency and integrity from the Labour party regarding their commitments to Waspi women.

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar criticized the government’s outright refusal for compensation, expressing disappointment and suggesting that a balanced resolution could have been reached considering the current financial climate.

Source
www.theguardian.com