MPs are to vote on an SNP motion calling for a compensation scheme for women affected by changes to the state pension age on Tuesday afternoon.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn will present a bill at Westminster – on which the SNP have said they will force a vote – which if passed would require the Labour Government to compensate 1950s-born women who lost out amid changes to the state pension age.
Last March, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommended compensation of £1000 to £2950 per person after historic failures in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) meant pension age changes were not properly communicated.
Despite this, the Labour UK Government has refused to offer any compensation, a move the ombudsman has subsequently described as “extremely unusual” given there is a 99.9% compliance rate for its recommendations.
How does a 10-minute rule bill work?
The 10-minute rule process allows Flynn up to 10 minutes to make a speech on why he wants to introduce his private member’s bill (PMB) and an MP wishing to oppose it can also make a 10-minute speech.
The House will then decide whether or not the PMB should be introduced and receive a first reading, which involves having its title being read out and an order for the Bill to be printed.
The SNP have said they will force a vote, which could include supporters of the motion also shouting no to trigger a formal division.
Here’s all you need to know about how to watch today’s debate.
When will the debate start?
It's a little unclear when the debate will actually begin. Urgent questions or ministerial statements will take place from 12.30pm, so it could be late afternoon before things get going and into the evening before a vote takes place.
How can I watch the debate?
The debate will be available to watch via Parliament TV – which can be found here.
The National will also be live blogging the session.
Why is the vote important?
A Commons vote on Flynn’s motion under the 10-minute rule process would not force a change, but could highlight the level of unhappiness among Labour backbenchers over the Government’s stance.
Any vote would be viewed as a symbolic show of support for the compensation proposal as PMBs face a battle to become law if they do not receive Government support and fail to secure parliamentary time to clear the necessary stages.
