A petition calling for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to reduce the state pension age to 65 has surpassed 81,000 signatures, bringing it within less than 20,000 of the threshold required to trigger a parliamentary debate. The petition, launched by Michelle Gill, urges the Labour government to act, arguing that a lower retirement age would allow people to retire with dignity and free up jobs for younger workers.
Petition nears debate threshold
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in the House of Commons, where ministers would need to set out their position and any potential changes. The petition, hosted on the Parliamentary website, has already smashed through the 81,000 mark, according to reports from Brum Daily.
Michelle Gill, the petition's creator, states: “Reduce the state pension age to 65. We believe this could mean people can retire with dignity and avoid hardship. We also think it could free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market. Many aged 65-67 face poor health, caring pressures, and limited work options, which we think is unfair.”
DWP responds with official position
In the short term, the DWP has issued an official response to the petition. The department said: “There are no plans to reduce State Pension age to 65. We are fortunate today that more people are reaching older ages: life expectancy has risen rapidly over the past century, driven by breakthroughs in medical treatments and generally healthier lifestyles.”
The response cites Office for National Statistics (ONS) life expectancy projections showing that in 2026, men aged 66 in the UK can be expected to live on average a further 19.3 years, and women aged 66 a further 21.9 years. By 2046, it is projected that this will have increased by an additional 1.6 years.
State Pension age rise underway
The DWP notes that State Pension age policy takes account of the fact that people are living longer and society is ageing. The age is now gradually rising from 66 to 67, with the increase having begun in April 2026 and due to complete in March 2028. These increases have been in legislation since the Pensions Act 1995.
“As longevity has increased and our society aged, State Pension age rises have maintained fairness between generations and protected the public finances,” the DWP said. The department also highlighted the Third State Pension age Review, which is underway and will decide what State Pension age is appropriate for future decades, balancing considerations of fairness and sustainability.
The review will consider a wide range of evidence, including ONS life expectancy projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports from Dr. Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases. The petition, if it reaches 100,000 signatures, would force a debate in the Commons, potentially putting pressure on Labour and figures like Andy Burnham to respond.
