A new petition, supported by 7,000 signatures, is pressing Prime Minister Andy Burnham to slash the state pension age to 60, a move that could benefit millions of Britons. The petition, created by Denver Johnson, calls on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make the state pension available from age 60 and to increase its value to match 48 hours of the National Living Wage.
Petition Details and Demands
According to the petition, which closes on 10 August 2026, the proposed universal state pension would be £610.08 per week, or roughly £31,724.16 per year, for all individuals aged 60 and above, including expatriates. The petition argues that current government policy treats the state pension as a benefit not paid to all, while continuously raising the age of entitlement.
The petition states: “We think that Government policy seems intent on the State Pension being a benefit not paid to all, while ever increasing the age of entitlement. We want reforms to the State Pension, so that it is available to all including expatriates, from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage, for security.”
Government Response Thresholds
Under UK parliamentary rules, if a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government must respond. If it hits 100,000 signatures, it becomes eligible for debate in Parliament. As of now, the petition has garnered 7,000 names, and it remains open until 10 August 2026, providing time for further support.
Current State Pension Context
Currently, the state pension age in the UK is 66 for both men and women, with plans to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and potentially to 68 later. The petition's proposal would represent a significant reversal of this trend, aiming to provide earlier and more generous retirement benefits.
Potential Impact and Reactions
If implemented, the change would affect millions of people, offering financial security to those aged 60 and over. However, such a move would carry substantial fiscal implications, requiring significant government funding. The petition's call aligns with broader debates about pension fairness and the adequacy of retirement incomes.
For those currently approaching retirement, the DWP provides tools to check their state pension age and estimate their potential pension amount. Additionally, individuals over state pension age on low incomes may be eligible for Pension Credit, and those aged 75 or over with Pension Credit could receive a free TV licence.
Next Steps for the Petition
The petition's creator, Denver Johnson, urges supporters to sign and share the petition to reach the 10,000 threshold, which would trigger an official government response. If the petition gains 100,000 signatures, it could be considered for parliamentary debate, potentially influencing future pension policy.
As the deadline approaches, the campaign continues to gain traction, reflecting public interest in pension reform. Whether the government will respond favourably remains to be seen, but the petition highlights growing calls for a more generous and inclusive state pension system.
