Tom Gordon MP Slams Labour’s betrayal of WASPI Women
Tom Gordon MP called on the Secretary of State to apologise to WASPI women after Government’s announcement they would not get a single penny in compensation - ignoring the recommendation of the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman’s report found that women born in the 1950s have suffered significant financial losses due to maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions and should receive compensation.
Yesterday Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall rejected any form of financial payouts, apologising instead for a 28-month delay in sending letters to those affected by pension changes.
During the statement, Tom spoke out on behalf of millions of WASPI women across the country, including those in his Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency, who were left devastated by Labour’s decision.
He directly challenged the Secretary of State, asking if she regretted raising campaigner’s hopes only to betray them, and called for an apology to the women affected.
Liz Kendall had previously pledged to ‘identify and deliver a fair solution for all women affected’ as part of her support for the WASPI campaign. However, far from delivering a fair solution, she has turned her back on millions of women.
Since his election, Tom has been a vocal advocate for WASPI women in Harrogate, Knaresborough, and beyond, attending campaign events and pressing for fair treatment in Parliament.
The Liberal Democrats have also long backed calls for women born in the 1950s affected by the pension changes to receive proper compensation for the Government’s failure to properly notify them of the changes.
Commenting, Tom said:
"This is a complete and utter betrayal of WASPI women from this Labour government.
“They have turned its back on millions of pension-age women who were wronged through no fault of their own.
"The Secretary of State’s failure to act on clear recommendations from the Ombudsman is a kick in the teeth to WASPI women, particularly those she met and pledged to support.
“Today’s heartless decision cannot be allowed to stand, and the Liberal Democrat’s and I will continue to press ministers to give those affected the fair treatment they deserve.”
ENDS
