Call for UK Government minister to set out process to assist WASPI women
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Gordon MP Richard Thomson has written to the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions MP Dr Thérèse Coffey calling on her to set out the process by which her department will “put the situation right” for WASPI women.
The move follows the publication of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report which condemned the UK Government for “maladministration” in relation to changes to women’s state pensions.
The Ombudsman’s findings vindicate the campaign by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) and condemned the DWP for failing to provide “accurate, adequate and timely” information about changes to the state pension age for women.
Mr Thomson said: “Thousands of women across the north-east have been badly impacted by the UK Government’s failure to treat them fairly.
"The WASPI campaigners have my full backing and I hope to meet with the north-east campaign group shortly.
“I have said before, the solution to this is in the UK Government’s hands and it needs to be fair and fast.”
In his letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mr Thomson states: “While the Ombudsman will now go on to consider the impact these failings had and make recommendations, there is an opportunity for the UK Government to take responsibility for past failings and start the process now of putting in place the structures and arrangements to remedy the situation for those women affected.
"Sadly, too many of the WASPI women have passed away waiting for their State Pension.
“Women born in the 1950s have suffered a huge injustice which has now been recognised by the Ombudsman. They have been robbed of the retirement they deserve.
"Are you able to let me have a response I can share with my constituents which sets out the process by which the UK Government will now put this situation right?”
Related story: MP calls for "fair and fast" solution for WASPI women
