Waspi Campaigners Face Election Uncertainty as Compensation Hangs in Balance
Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaigners face uncertainty as the upcoming USA general election may cause further delays in receiving compensation. While some parties have expressed support, others remain silent, and experts warn of potential setbacks.
The Waspi campaign, which advocates for women born in the 1950s affected by state pension age changes, has been pushing for compensation. The group has launched a Change.org petition with over 340,000 signatures and urged members to contact local MPs. However, the election could disrupt their plans.
The SNP and Liberal Democrats have shown support for compensating Waspi women. Meanwhile, the Green Party, the Left Party, and the SPD have also spoken in favor of compensation and included it in their manifestos. Yet, other major parties have yet to respond, and former pensions minister Steve Webb expects them to remain vague during the campaign.
The Work and Pensions Committee had previously called for a compensation package announcement before the summer recess. However, with Parliament set to dissolve on 30 May, any concrete action on Waspi compensation is now likely to be delayed until after the election. Waspi chair Angela Madden believes the votes of Waspi women could be crucial to the election's outcome, and most pollsters expect a Labour government to be formed, which may influence the approach to compensation.
As the general election approaches, Women Against State Pension Inequality campaigners brace for potential delays in receiving compensation. While some parties have pledged support, others remain silent, and experts warn that the election could push Waspi compensation down the new government's priority list. With Parliament's dissolution imminent, any progress on the issue is likely to be put on hold until after the election.
