Labour is facing fierce backlash after abandoning its pledge to compensate the 3.8 million women affected by state pension age increases. These women, often referred to as Waspi women (Women Against State Pension Inequality), were required to work up to five additional years before receiving their state pensions, leaving many in financial hardship.
From promises to betrayal
In opposition, Labour leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner, and Liz Kendall, were vocal supporters of the Waspi campaign. In 2022, Sir Keir Starmer even signed a pledge calling for “fair and fast” compensation for the women affected, describing their situation as a “huge injustice.”
However, on Monday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that the government would not provide any financial redress, citing the prohibitive cost of £10.5 billion. This decision would have seen payouts of up to £3,000 for each affected woman, but Kendall dismissed the idea, calling it neither “fair nor proportionate.”
The Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, saying:
“I understand the concerns of the Waspi women, but at a time when taxpayers are already facing significant pressures, we must consider whether this is the right burden to impose.”
A wave of anger
The announcement has ignited outrage among campaigners, MPs, and the Waspi women themselves. Angela Madden, chair of the Waspi group, called the decision an “insult,” stating:
“This bizarre and totally unjustified move raises the question of what purpose an ombudsman serves if its recommendations can simply be ignored by ministers.”
In Parliament, Liz Kendall faced vocal criticism from her own party. Labour MP Brian Leishman declared:
“Waspi women do not need hollow statements or words of disappointment—they need justice.”
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) had previously suggested that compensation between £1,000 and £2,950 would be appropriate for each affected woman. Despite this, Kendall argued that implementing even a flat-rate compensation scheme would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on her department.
Broken promises
Labour’s decision marks a stark reversal from its campaign rhetoric. At the 2019 general election, the party committed to paying billions in compensation to the Waspi women, with Angela Rayner stating at the time:
“Any government should act responsibly towards these women.”
The reversal has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Tory pensions spokesperson Helen Whately commented:
“Labour’s broken promises should come as no surprise. Once again, they’ve said whatever it took to win votes, only to renege when in power. Just like with the winter fuel payments, they shouldn’t expect to get away with this hypocrisy.”
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Former pensions minister Ros Altmann echoed this sentiment, accusing Labour of turning its back on older people:
“It’s clear pensioners are simply not a priority for public spending under this government.”
Political opportunism
Opposition parties have also seized on the U-turn to lambast Labour. Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, called the move “shameless,” stating:
“When it was politically convenient, Labour supported the Waspi women. Now, they’ve chosen betrayal over justice.”
The Waspi group has long argued that millions of women born in the 1950s were unfairly and inadequately informed about changes to the state pension age, forcing many to rethink their retirement plans with little notice.
Fallout for labour
The decision is a significant political gamble for Labour, potentially alienating a core demographic of older female voters. Critics have accused the party of cynically using the Waspi campaign to score political points while in opposition, only to abandon its promises once in government.
Ms Kendall, who describes herself on her website as a “long-standing supporter” of the Waspi campaign, defended the government’s decision, stating that limited resources must be allocated carefully during times of economic strain.
A movement undeterred
Despite this setback, the Waspi women remain determined to continue their fight. Angela Madden vowed:
“We will not rest until justice is done. This decision will only strengthen our resolve to hold politicians accountable.”
As the storm over Labour’s broken promises intensifies, the Waspi campaign is a stark reminder of the political perils of making pledges without the intention—or ability—to deliver. Labour now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with a group it once championed. Whether it can weather this storm remains to be seen.
