The Labour government is facing the threat of a 'tsunami' of national outrage if it fails to act on demands for compensation for WASPI women. This stark warning comes as a long-running legal battle over state pension age changes reaches a critical new phase.
Ombudsman's Ruling and Government Backdown
In March 2024, the Parliamentary Ombudsman made a landmark finding of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The watchdog instructed Parliament to arrange compensation for the affected women as swiftly as possible. The WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign relates to women born in the 1950s who say they were not properly notified of changes to their state pension age.
The Pensions Minister at the time, Liz Kendall, defended a subsequent decision to reject the Ombudsman's second report, citing 'logical errors'. However, it was later revealed that key DWP-commissioned research on the matter had been wrongly withheld from her. On 11 November, her successor, Pat McFadden, announced the government would withdraw its decision and reconsider the issue.
Legal Battle and Last-Minute Agreement
WASPI had been pursuing a judicial review challenging the government's rejection of the Ombudsman's report. A trial was scheduled for 9 and 10 December. Even after the government's U-turn, campaigners remained concerned about the reconsideration process, prompting the court to arrange a special hearing.
That hearing, and the December trial dates, have now been cancelled. Following several days of negotiations, WASPI has secured an agreement with the Government that promises a speedy reconsideration and holds ministers accountable for any further legal missteps.
Campaigners' Warning and Public Mobilisation
WASPI Chair Angela Madden stated: "Yet again, WASPI has held its nerve and yet again, virtually at the steps of the court, the Government has backed down." She welcomed the agreement for a "speedy and thorough reconsideration" but issued a firm warning.
"The Government should be in no doubt that WASPI stands ready to return to court early in the New Year if it yet again fails to do the right thing," Madden added. The campaign is now mobilising public support, aiming to generate one million letters to MPs before the government makes its final decision on compensation in February.
The campaign declared: "Ministers risk a tsunami of national outrage if they ignore calls for compensation. Now is the moment to support WASPI women."
