Hampshire women demand compensation in WAPSI demonstrations

Members of Solent and Isle of Wight Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) travelled to Parliament Square on budget day last week to join others calling for swift action.

A report issued in March by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) showed that the Department for Work and Pensions’ failed to communicate life-impacting changes to their State Pension age.

WASPI women have been calling for compensation for nine years.

Pots and pans were banged outside by the demonstrators during Chancellor Rachel Reeve's speech, which did not mention compensation.

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Solent WASPI Coordinator Shelagh Simmons said: “We very much welcome the news on compensation for victims of the Infected Blood and Post Office scandals.

“But we are disappointed nothing was said about us, despite clear recommendations from the Government's own watchdog.

“They were fully supportive in Opposition, so we were hoping a Labour Government would move more quickly.”

A minute of silence was held at Parliament Square for those who have died during the campaign – they say there have been 25,000 deaths since the report was published in March.

WASPI Chair Angela Madden said: "Millions of women’s retirement plans were thrown into chaos, many suffering extreme financial and mental hardships and this is why we are here today.

“Affected women have been vindicated by the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report. Parliament must compensate all affected women.”

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Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis and New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis were both in attendance to support the Solent campaign.

Liz Jarvis, Eastleigh MP, shows her support for the WASPI campaign. (Image: WASPI) Shelagh continued: “The PHSO considered the issue for 6 years and came to a clear conclusion. Yet all these months later, Ministers say they need to give it ‘full consideration.’

“There are hundreds of MPs from across the House, including our Solent region, backing fair and fast compensation.

“On Wednesday, our presence showed the strength of feeling there is that this injustice must be remedied.

“Now Ministers must deliver.”

A Government spokesperson said: "This was a serious report, requiring serious consideration.

“We will continue to listen respectfully to the women involved, and ensure we take on board any lessons learnt.”