On the 4th of July 2024, members of Excluded Scotland WASPI were pleased to hear the latest stance from the SNP on their campaign for justice.
John Swinney has cautioned that Westminster parties are on the verge of deeply betraying WASPI women, following his meeting with campaigners in Glasgow.
The injustice faced by Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) exemplifies how Westminster handles those affected by its decisions.
After years of relentless advocacy, a critical report released earlier this year by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman laid out unequivocal recommendations for a full, fair, and prompt compensation scheme for WASPI women.
Despite this, the UK Conservative government has failed to act upon these recommendations. Labour, too, has now backtracked on previous commitments. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves openly acknowledged that her party has not allocated any funds for compensation:
- “WASPI women accuse Labour of betrayal as Reeves admits no cash planned for them” – The i, 6 June 2024
- “WASPI women hit by changes to the state pension age say Labour has turned its back on them” – Daily Mail, 7 June 2024
- “Reeves: No tax relief changes, no cash for WASPI” – Daily Business, 4 June 2024
Even The Daily Mirror, traditionally supportive of Labour, has questioned Keir Starmer’s shifting stance, likening his actions to those of Boris Johnson.
This last-minute reversal by Labour is indefensible given their long-standing promises to WASPI women:
- “What 12 shadow ministers said about WASPI compensation, and what they say now” – The i, 22 March 2024
Labour in Scotland had also been unequivocal in their assurances:
- Scottish Labour on X: “Labour will right the historical wrong of pension discrimination by compensating more than 300,000 women in Scotland with an average of ÂŁ15,000. When Labour wins, Scotland’s women win. #WASPI”
- Anas Sarwar on X: “Under my leadership, WASPI women will finally receive the justice they deserve.”
In contrast, John Swinney has reaffirmed the SNP’s unwavering support for full, fair, and prompt compensation for WASPI women.
It is now evident that Westminster parties are poised to abandon their commitments to WASPI women.
With the prospect of governmental power within reach, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour appears set to replicate the same neglect as the Conservatives.
Now within touching distance of ministerial positions in Downing Street, Labour has made the calculated decision that these affected women are no longer a priority.
WASPI women deserve far better. They deserve full, fair, and immediate compensation.
The SNP will continue to uphold our steadfast commitment to the WASPI women until justice is fully delivered.
On the 4th of July, vote SNP to secure justice for WASPI women and to shape a future designed in Scotland, for Scotland.
