Just prior to Christmas, the UK Labour Government announced they would not compensate the WASPI women.
This is utterly shameful, and I am appalled by this decision.
Despite an Ombudsman report being clear on the failures of the UK Government – and being crystal clear that compensation is owed – the Labour Government have deliberately ignored this, turning their backs on millions of women.
It also contradicts what Labour said to get elected in 2024. Many expressed their support for the WASPI women and their need for compensation, only to abandon them straight after.
Labour promised change, but all the WASPI women got was betrayal and deception.
This is not a question of money, but about Labour’s priorities.
These women have worked tirelessly their whole lives and have been left struggling to make ends meet.
They deserve so much better.
These are women who were, historically, already at a disadvantage.
They had typically been earning lower pay on average during their working lives or experiencing interrupted careers as a result of caring for children, or as unpaid carers for family.
They also often had less State Pension entitlement than men due to earning less than the NI lower earnings limit and spending less time in the labour market.
I was proud to stand with WASPI women outside Parliament to condemn this decision by the UK Government.
I have also, this month, spoken in two WASPI debates in Parliament calling for immediate compensation. I was delighted to see so many WASPI women in the Chamber, including some of my own constituents.
My SNP colleagues and I in Holyrood will continue to push for action on this, and I was glad to see my SNP colleagues in Westminster keep up the pressure by forcing a vote on the matter to push for compensation. Unfortunately, Clydebank’s Labour MP did not support this despite promising still to be on the women’s side. Actions speak louder than words.
In the coming weeks, I am looking forward to sitting down with West Dunbartonshire WASPI to lend my support again and discuss what more I can do.
These women were robbed of their pension and there is simply no justification for the UK Government to deny them compensation.
Time is unfortunately not on their side either, and I know many have sadly passed away before seeing any compensation.
They have been campaigning for over a decade now, they should not have to wait any longer.
It is time to see money in the banks. It is appalling that Labour have let thousands die without justice.
I will always stand firmly beside the WASPI women in their fight for compensation and will continue to push for justice.
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