Government’s WASPI U-turn a ‘profound betrayal of trust’ – Ben Lake MP
At Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday 18 December), Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, Ben Lake, called out the UK Labour Government for its betrayal of 1950s-born women, following their decision to reject the findings of the Parliamentary Ombudsman into state pension age changes.
Mr Lake reminded the House that in 2022, the Prime Minister himself called for “fair and fast compensation” for the WASPI women. Yet, just six months into his Government, that promise has been abandoned, leaving these women to continue bearing the financial and emotional burden of this injustice.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ben Lake MP
“In 2022, the Prime Minister supported calls for ‘fair and fast compensation’ for 1950s women impacted by the changes to state pension. And yet, just yesterday, his Government rejected those same calls out of hand. Mr Speaker, is this what the Prime Minister meant when he promised to lead a ‘Government of change’?”
Speaking after the session, Ben Lake MP added:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Government’s decision to reject calls for compensation for 1950s-born women affected by state pension age changes. This is an issue that so many women in Ceredigion Preseli have contacted me about, and I am grateful for the tireless campaigning work of local groups who have fought for justice on their behalf.
“It is all the more surprising given the support that the Prime Minister and members of his Government expressed while in opposition. For them to now turn their backs on these women is a profound betrayal of trust. The Prime Minister’s response will offer little comfort.
“The financial and emotional toll of this injustice cannot be overstated, and I will continue to press the Government to reconsider their stance and deliver the fairness and justice these women so desperately deserve.”