Starmer Defends Decision to Deny Compensation for Waspi Women Amid Backlash

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has defended his government’s controversial decision not to compensate the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi), stating that such payments would "burden" the taxpayer. The announcement has ignited widespread criticism, with some branding it a "day of shame" for the Labour government.  Others have condemed  Starmer by claiming its betrayal that proves Labour cynically said ANYTHING to get elected.

 

Just a reminder, @leicesterliz of what you promised.  Hard to see how your statement refusing #WASPI women justice today is a "fair solution".

Just a reminder, @leicesterliz of what you promised. Hard to see how your statement refusing #WASPI women justice today is a "fair solution". pic.twitter.com/v8Sm0gy8n3

— #WASPI Campaign (@WASPI_Campaign) December 17, 2024

 

Starmer acknowledged the frustrations of women affected by changes to their retirement age but maintained that meeting their demands would not be financially viable. "We understand their concerns, but we also have a duty to the wider taxpayer," he said. His comments followed an apology from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall for a 28-month delay in notifying those born in the 1950s about the state pension changes.  

 

Kendall expressed regret for the communication failures but rejected calls for compensation. "The great majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing," she stated. "A state-funded pay-out wouldn’t be fair or good value for taxpayers' money."  

 

The decision has provoked outrage from opposition parties and advocacy groups. The Liberal Democrats denounced the announcement, accusing Labour of abandoning pension-aged women who were unfairly affected. "This is a day of shame. Millions of women who were wronged are being let down again," a party spokesperson said.  

 

The Waspi group has long argued that women born in the 1950s suffered financially because they were not given adequate warning to prepare for changes to their retirement age. Initially, legislation in the mid-1990s aimed to gradually equalize the retirement age for men and women over a decade. However, the timetable was accelerated under the coalition government as part of austerity measures, leaving many women unable to adjust their plans in time.  

 

Earlier this year, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found that thousands of women had been adversely affected by failures to communicate the changes effectively. The PHSO recommended compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 for those impacted. However, these recommendations were not legally binding, leaving the government with no obligation to act.  

 

Critics argue that the lack of compensation amounts to a dismissal of the hardship endured by millions of women. Advocates point to the financial instability and stress many have faced due to the unexpected delay in accessing their pensions.  

 

Despite the backlash, Starmer and Kendall remain firm in their stance, citing fiscal responsibility and fairness to taxpayers as primary concerns. For the Waspi women, however, the decision represents yet another setback in their ongoing fight for justice.

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-19