The SNP has suggested they could force a vote on the issue, with the party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, stating that “those Labour MPs who once pretended to back Waspi must now be faced with the voting lobbies”.
These calls were welcomed by Brian Leisham, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, who told The i Paper he’d be willing to lose the party whip to vote in support of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign.
“Let’s have a vote on this. I know exactly how I would vote. I know what lobby I’ll be walking through if it ever comes.”
Many Labour MPs, including Leishman, have publicly criticised the party’s decision on social media. He posted a statement on X calling the move “horrifying” and urging the Government to reconsider.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall (right) holding a placard in support of the WASPI campaign. Women affected by changes to the state pension age will not receive compensation, Mrs Kendall has announced today. Provider: WASPI/PA Wire Source: PA
He told The i Paper that while he “fully recognise[s]” the challenges of the current economic situation “the Labour Party has long been a supporter of the WASPI campaign”.
Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome said she thought the Government had “made the wrong decision, both because of the injustice of this particular case and also because of the dangerous precedent it sets by ignoring the Ombudsman’s recommendation”.
There has been widespread anger since the Government announced on Tuesday that it would not offer compensation to Waspi women, despite a report by the ombudsman recommending they should be given payments of between £1,000 and £2,950 each.
Speaking to broadcasters on Wednesday, Rachel Reeves said she understands that “women affected by the changes to the state pension age feel disappointed” by the decision not to offer compensation.
“And given that the vast majority of people did know about these changes, I didn’t judge that it would be the best use of taxpayers’ money to pay an expensive compensation bill for something that most people knew was happening.”
Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer would accept that characterisation, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No, but as I say I can’t speak to comments made pre-election.
There is a good reason why Waspi women have been denied compensation
Read More“He and the secretary of state yesterday were very clear that this is a difficult decision, it is not one that has been taken lightly, but it’s based on the evidence in the Ombudsman’s report.”
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