The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concluded, after a six‑year investigation, that maladministration had caused injustice and that compensation is due. I respect the seriousness of that finding, and I understand the strength of feeling among those affected.
In November 2025, the Government announced that they would be reconsidering their decision on compensation for the WASPI women in light of evidence cited by the WASPI campaign during legal proceedings involving a report produced in 2007 that had not been considered when the decision was made by Ministers earlier this year. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, is reopening this decision to consider all evidence, and I know many campaigners will be hoping for a different outcome.
The constant back and forth on issues impacting pensioners by Ministers is frustrating and causing much anxiety. I was deeply disappointed with the Government’s original position on this issue outlined in a statement by the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions on 17th December 2024. Whilst I understand the cost implications involved in any decision on state pension age, I am most frustrated by the hypocrisy of those on the Government’s benches and their persistent attacks on pensioners. We will now have to wait and see what decision they make this time around.
There are 3.8 million women of pension age impacted by this announcement, all the while the Government continues to fail pensioners across the board. Despite their recent U‑Turn on the Winter Fuel Payment we must never forget their callous cut which saw 94,760 additional pensioners attend A&E Departments in Winter 2024 compared with the previous year. The Government is flailing and millions of pensioners and WASPI women will feel more anxious as we await further policy announcements from Ministers.
In terms of the recent report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, the previous Government decided to take some time to find the best possible solution for all involved, especially those WASPI women facing the most hardship. Whilst it was not possible for a decision to be made ahead of the 2024 General Election, honesty has an important role in the public policy process and undoubtedly the Government, with its successive pronouncements of support for WASPI campaigners, has fallen short of the mark.
It is imperative Governments of all colours and convictions act in a way that upholds trust in our politics. That is why in Government we were always cautious when making promises to WASPI women. I have always been clear in my own views on the WASPI issue and opposed compensation being paid. I knew that this might lose me support but I felt obliged to do what I thought was right and accept the consequences by being honest about it. It is a shame that Labour couldn’t follow suit.
Affordability cannot be used as an excuse to deny justice, but nor should promises be made that cannot realistically be delivered. Politics is about choices, and elected Members of Parliament must start from a position of good faith with their electorates.
I will continue to press the Secretary of State to act transparently and fairly, and to ensure that all pensioners are treated with respect and honesty.
