Wishart makes case for swift WASPI compensation

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart contributed to the Scottish Parliament debate on the report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) into State Pension reforms affecting women born in the 1950s. The PHSO found that there was maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions. WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) are the campaign group seeking redress in the form of compensation from the impact a lack of information about the reforms has had on the 1950s women.

During the debate Ms Wishart said:

“There is a distinct feeling of a lack of fairness involved with a sense that the goalposts were moved without being informed.

“A combination of misogyny and ageism resulted in older women being overlooked by grey suits in Whitehall.

“Little wonder older women feel invisible in society.

“The WASPI campaigners have only ever asked for fairness and to rectify injustices.

“We should not forget that the rights that women have today are in no small way due to the women who were born in the 1950s. 

“The Ombudsman report has been a long time coming.

“The process needs to be moved along to ensure those affected finally get compensation.

“I urge the UK Government to act on the Ombudsman’s report and encourage whichever party forms the next Government after the General Election to make this a priority.

“It’s past time to rectify this injustice.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

You can see Ms Wishart’s full contribution here.