Calls for a compensation scheme for 1950s-born women affected by changes to the state pension age could be pushed to a symbolic vote in the House of Commons next week.
While the vote would not force policy change, it could signal the growing discontent among Labour backbenchers over the Government’s rejection of compensation.
Stephen Flynn, Scottish National Party (SNP) Westminster leader, said: “The SNP will bring forward a Bill in the House of Commons next week to ensure Waspi women finally get the financial compensation and justice they are entitled to.”
The proposed private member’s bill (PMB) would compel ministers to release details of their response to a Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report, which recommended compensation for women born in the 1950s whose state pension age was raised to match men’s.
The Ombudsman’s report suggested a payment of up to £2,950 per woman, potentially costing the taxpayer £10.5billion, due to poor communication around the pension changes.
Despite Labour leadership’s backing for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign when in opposition, the Government dismissed the call for compensation last month.
A vote on the SNP’s PMB would be seen as a symbolic gesture of support, as private bills often struggle to become law without Government backing.
The 10-minute rule process allows Mr Flynn up to 10 minutes to present his case for introducing his bill, with an opposing MP also granted 10 minutes to argue against it.
The House will then determine whether the bill should be introduced and receive a first reading, which involves reading its title and ordering the Bill to be printed.
The SNP have stated they will force a vote, which could see supporters of the motion also shouting no to initiate a formal division.
Mr Flynn said: “Waspi women have been badly let down by the Labour Party, in particular, who have broken yet another election promise by refusing to offer any compensation despite previously saying they would. It’s time to stop the broken promises and finally make good on their word.”
The SNP‘s proposed bill follows a unanimous vote amongst the party this week for a motion demanding the Government compensate Waspi women.
He added: “I am pleased that the SNP Waspi compensation Bill already has cross-party support from MPs of all the main parties but with a supermajority in Parliament, what matters now is how Labour MPs choose to vote.”
Helen Whatley, Conservative MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “WASPI women have every right to feel let down by this Government. When their votes were up for grabs, Labour promised them compensation, and as soon as they were elected, they went back on their word.
“Keir Starmer is everything that is wrong with politics. Under new leadership, the Conservatives will tell the truth, even when it’s difficult to hear.”
Steve Darling MP, Work and Pensions spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said: “WASPI women have been betrayed by this Government. These women were let down by the system and have been let down by Conservative and now a Labour Government.
“Instead of fighting to rectify a terrible injustice, Ministers have decided to sell these extraordinary campaigners out.”
He added: “We will work tirelessly until they get the justice they deserve.”
