On Thursday 16 May, Lynne and Barbara, leaders of the Hartlepool WASPI supporters’ group were met by their local MP, Jill Mortimer.
The WASPI campaign began in 2015, after women born in the 1950’s believed a lack of notice was given by the Department for Work and Pensions over changes to their State Pension age.
The campaigners are now calling for a one-off payment from the government as fair and fast compensation for the financial losses, and sustained damage to their mental health and wellbeing.
Lynne and Barbara were in Parliament to watch the debate being held on compensation for WASPI women, following the Ombudsman report.
The report, which was published in March, found maladministration in the DWP’s failure to communicate with affected women and recommended compensation as a financial remedy.
Jill Mortimer spoke in the debate, where she urged the Government to issue the compensation promptly, as she shared 280,000 WASPI women have already died since the campaign began.
Speaking after the debate, Jill Mortimer MP said:
“It was a joy to host Lynne and Barbara in Parliament. Having met them on multiple occasions throughout my time as MP, I know that they are dedicated and caring campaigners.
“I am glad that the WASPI compensation debate has now been brought to the chamber, after multiple reports into the administrative failings of the Department, under a Labour Government.
“I am hopeful mistake can now be rectified at pace. Today's Conservative Government has a proven track record of protecting our pensioners, with pensioners now the least likely group to be living in poverty.”