WASPI women are claiming a bolster in support ahead of a major vote (Image: Getty Images)
A fresh poll indicates a surge in backing for the Women Against Inequality Campaign (WASPI), following a setback. The survey, conducted by Yonder and commissioned by WASPI, reveals that a striking three-quarters of British adults believe the UK Government should overturn its verdict not to offer compensation to millions of women born in the 1950s affected by the age increment.
After the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) conclusive report on March 21, 2024, which dictated that “Parliament must urgently identify a mechanism for providing that appropriate remedy” and suggested compensation at level four worth between £1,000 and £2,950, there was hope for redress. Nonetheless, in a turnaround last month, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall declared there would be “no scheme of financial compensation” for those troubled by amendments to the age.
On December 17, while addressing MPs, Ms Kendall admitted to missteps by the Department for Work and Pensions () and voiced an apology on behalf of the UK Government to all the women affected by the retirement age upheaval. Fresh findings from a WASPI-driven survey hint that public dismay remains, putting ministers in hot water, as a significant majority (64%) advocate that the government adheres to the PHSO’s proposals to ensure “fair compensation” is awarded to WASPI women, the .
Despite ministerial claims that compensating WASPI women would be an unfair drain on taxpayers, recent data challenges this viewpoint. Ms Kendall’s statement to MPs on the hefty cost of adhering to the PHSO’s compensation suggestion said: “Given the great majority of women knew that the Age was increasing, the Government does not believe paying a flat rate to all women – at a cost of up to £10.5 billion – would be a fair or proportionate use of taxpayers’ money.”
Nonetheless, WASPI—representing 3.6 million women who say they were poorly informed about changes to their age—maintains the lack of notice severely impacted their retirement plans.
Notably, public sentiment is strong, with 78% feeling betrayed by Prime Minister Sir as he didn’t honour his pledge: “I support fair and fast compensation for 1950s women.”
Moreover, according to a poll, 76% of people are urging MPs to vote in Parliament over the issue, taking the decision away from ministers, a move campaigners endorse. Labour List reveals at least 35 Labour MPs have publicly condemned the refusal to offer compensation, with many others pressing the issue behind closed doors.
Ahead of the anticipated Liberal Democrat-led opposition vote, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, Brian Leishman, has declared his allegiance with WASPI women, saying: “I will be doing the right thing and voting for WASPI women to receive the justice they are due.”
He praised his party’s commitment to social fairness, insisting: “Labour is the party of social justice and equality. After a decade of support from across the Labour movement, the WASPI women are not a political football – they are a generation of women who deserve the justice we have promised them.”
He reaffirmed his position with conviction, adding: “When that opposition vote comes, I will be doing the right thing and voting for WASPI women to receive the justice they are due and deserve.”
Angela Madden, Chair of the WASPI Campaign, voiced her grievance by criticising government officials for backpedalling on their word: “For years we campaigned with prominent Cabinet members who have now reneged on their promises and decided not to deliver justice, despite the clear findings of the Ombudsman’s report and the unwavering public support.”
She questioned their moral fibre and condemned their action as damaging to public trust in governance, stating: “Not only does this question their integrity but throws public trust in our institutions into disarray. The Parliamentary Ombudsman is there to hold the Government to account. Labour’s decision to ignore it rides roughshod over our constitutional checks and balances.
“Without a government- led proposal to compensate WASPI women, MPs need to step up and do all that’s in their power to secure proper compensation. WASPI women have rallied across the country in response to Labour’s disgraceful decision with the number of women joining our campaign growing significantly last month. On behalf of the 3.6 million women affected, we will continue to fight using all avenues available to achieve justice.”
A survey conducted by Yonder between January 3-5, 2025, polled 2,079 British adults. Conservative MP Sir John Hayes has successfully secured parliamentary time for a debate on age compensation.
The discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15 at 2.30pm in Westminster Hall. The debate can be viewed on