Following the recent General Election, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the WASPI generation, as numerous newly elected Members of Parliament have previously shown support for compensation. The WASPI (Women against State Pension Inequality) campaign is actively pushing for action, with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman recommending payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950, and the Liberal Democrats including compensation payments for WASPI women in their manifesto.
Angela Madden, the chair of the WASPI campaign, has expressed positivity towards the incoming cohort of MPs at Westminster, congratulating Keir Starmer and highlighting the necessity for the new Labour Government to address the issue at hand. The campaign is maintaining hope that the Liberal Democrats, who have gained significant traction in the election, will continue to be a formidable voice for them in Parliament.
Progress was also made in the previous Parliament, with a bill proposed for compensation plans and the previous Work and Pensions Committee expressing support for payouts. Madden is optimistic that these efforts will set a precedent for the new Government, and is urging Labour to commit to addressing the issue within the first 100 days of their term.
The failure of the Conservatives to address the WASPI issue may have contributed to their substantial defeat at the polls. Madden observed that while it is uncertain whether this was a pivotal issue, it undeniably struck a chord with WASPI women who are weary of empty promises. The Conservatives missed an opportunity to effect change for these women by delaying action on the matter.
The newly elected MPs who have previously expressed support for the WASPI cause offer fresh hope for the campaign. The current focus is on applying pressure to the new Government to take decisive steps towards compensation. The WASPI issue remains contentious, but with the backing of influential MPs and public advocacy, there is a glimmer of hope for the women affected by state pension inequality.
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