Waspi: Decision on women hit by pension age rise condemned

Liberal Democrat Welsh Affairs Spokesperson David Chadwick said: “Today is a day of shame for the Labour government.”

The Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP added: “For years, Liberal Democrats have pushed the government to fairly compensate Waspi women in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendations.

“Today’s heartless decision cannot be allowed to stand and we will be pressing ministers to give those affected the fair treatment they deserve.”

The UK government says there was evidence that there was “considerable awareness” of the changes to the pension age, and sending letters earlier would not have made a difference to their ability to make retirement choices.

Also, that there was no evidence of “direct financial loss” resulting from the government’s decision, UK ministers say.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall added: “Given the vast majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing, the government does not believe paying a flat rate to all women at a cost of up to £10.5bn would be fair or proportionate to taxpayers.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he understood the concern of the Waspi women, but had to take into account whether it was right “to impose a further burden on the taxpayer”.