The right to be WASPI
The WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign was started because many women born in the 1950s were unfairly affected by changes to the state pension age. In 1995, the Tory government decided to equalise the state pension age for men and women, raising it from 60 to 66. However, these changes were implemented with little notice, leaving many women with insufficient time to adjust their retirement plans. As a result, these women faced unexpected financial hardship and uncertainty. The WASPI campaign seeks to address this injustice by demanding fair compensation and better communication from the government regarding future pension changes.
WASPI crowdfunded £100,000 to pay for legal action in order to challenge these changes. Justice is not at all ‘open’ in this country. We all have a right to agitate and protest. We can be WASPS and I stand with these women.
Finally, WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) have won their case and should be compensated immediately by the incoming government, following the ombudsman’s recommendations. It only amounts to between about £1,000 and £3,000 each. It’s especially frustrating that The State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill was dropped due to the general election being called when far less important bills were pushed through.
The UK Government saved £200 billion by equalising the State Pension age at 66, yet the lack of resolution for the 3.8 million WASPI women affected has been disgraceful. The Liberal Democrats have consistently supported WASPI in their campaign, and it is now up to the new government – whoever we the people choose – to present a plan to ensure these women receive the compensation they are owed.
