THE Labour UK Government has been urged to “pay up” to Waspi women before more die without receiving the compensation they deserve – warning it would be an “unforgivable betrayal” to fail to do so.
SNP MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey Graham Leadbitter has written to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), asking for a different approach than what was taken by the Tories.
In the letter, he calls on DWP minister Emma Reynolds to look into compensatory payments as a "priority".
In March this year, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommended compensation be paid over injustices resulting from the decision to raise women’s retirement from age 60 to 65.
Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaigners have warned that almost 300,000 women have died in the seven years since the campaign was launched.
Commenting, Leadbitter said: “Waspi women are only asking for what they’re rightfully owed, but have been left in the dark by successive UK governments who’ve paid them no mind.
“That can’t be allowed to continue under the Labour Party who must take a different approach and pay up.”
During the General Election campaign, John Swinney (above) pledged that his party would stand “shoulder-shoulder” with Waspi women.
MSPs also backed the Scottish Government in a call for “compensation in full” to be paid to women impacted by state pension inequality.
Leadbitter added: “Already, nearly 300,000 women have died since the campaign for justice was launched in 2015.
“To allow any more women to go without receiving the compensation they’re due would be an unforgivable betrayal from this Labour government.
“The Chancellor has an opportunity to separate herself and this Labour government from the Tories’ abysmal record, but she’ll show just how similar they are if they choose to continue to ignore these calls.
“The SNP has stood firm with the Waspi campaigners, and my SNP MP colleagues and I will always stand up for swift justice and compensation.”
The National has approached the Department for Work and Pensions for comment.
