WASPI women deserve justice
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman has praised the work of WASPI campaigners across Scotland as their month of action comes to an end, highlighting Labour’s ‘betrayal’ of women affected by changes to the State Pension Age.
Maggie has backed WASPI’s calls for members of the public to write to their MPs in support of fair and fast compensation for women affected, highlighting the injustice many women are facing after decades of work and contributions.
Maggie said:
“The WASPI campaign is one of the most powerful and principled grassroots movements in the UK, driven by the relentless passion, resilience and determination of women who have spent years fighting for the justice they deserve.
“In the face of delay after delay, these activists have refused to be ignored and refused to allow this injustice and betrayal to be swept under the carpet.
“Thanks to their tireless work, a light has been shone on the real human impact of decisions made by Westminster. Due to government maladministration, thousands of women were left with little to no notice that their pension age was being increased, forcing many into financial hardship through no fault of their own.
“Many were left with no choice but to continue working despite poor health or the need to care for family members. Others were forced to dip into life savings. Some have lost tens of thousands of pounds they thought they’d have for their retirement. Many are just scraping by on benefits.
“After a lifetime of paying into a system they trusted would support them in later life, that is nothing short of a betrayal and a national disgrace.
“The WASPI campaign has been persistent, effective and rooted in fairness. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of its activists that this issue has remained firmly on the political agenda. I am very proud to stand alongside them, fighting for fair and fast compensation that the public ombudsman has said they deserve.
“I encourage anyone who believes in fairness and dignity in retirement to write to their MP and urge them to back fair and fast compensation for the women affected.
“The Labour Party stood with WASPI in opposition, then turned its back on those women when it got into Downing Street. Scottish Green voices in Holyrood have stood up for WASPI women and have fought for the compensation they are owed, never turning our backs on them.
“The UK Government must stop delaying and finally deliver justice for the women who have waited far too long for compensation.”