Dumbarton’s Labour MSP says that a “blanket approach which denies compensation to any women is wrong” after the Labour Government announced it will not give WASPI women compensation.
Labour Work and Pension Secretary Liz Kendall announced that around 3.5 million women born in the 1950s – who campaigners say were not properly informed of the rise to the state pension age – will not be given any sort of financial payout.
Ms Kendall told the Commons: “The Government does not believe paying a flat rate to all women at a cost of up to £10.5 billion would be fair or proportionate to taxpayers.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie, who has supported WASPI women throughout, has urged for compromise.
Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), a voluntary organisation founded in 2015, campaigns against the way in which the state pension age for men and women was equalised and have called for the millions of women affected by the change to receive compensation.
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Ms Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, said: “I have been proud to support WASPI women and have worked very closely with those in my constituency who have been affected. I was also a former convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on WASPI women.
“I’m clear that an injustice has been done to these women and, whilst the pension changes had an impact on all women, some will have suffered severe detriment as a result.
“I understand the financial constraints under which the UK Government finds itself operating, however, I think a blanket approach which denies compensation to any women is wrong.
“It is my belief that a compromise could have been reached to assist those who have suffered the most.
“It is my job to stand up for my constituents and I have been a constant supporter of WASPI women – a position which I continue to maintain.”