A clash erupted at Prime Minister’s Questions today as Labour leader Keir Starmer flatly rejected calls to compensate millions of women affected by controversial changes to the state pension age, insisting such a move was simply “not affordable”.
The heated exchange saw Starmer come under fire from his own benches, with veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott challenging him directly on the issue of compensation for the so-called Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women.
Starmer’s blunt dismissal of the demands risks fracturing the fragile unity he has forged within Labour ranks and sets the stage for a potential rebellion from those who believe the affected women deserve redress.
Ombudsman Ruling Fuels Controversy
The row follows a landmark ruling earlier this year by the parliamentary and health service ombudsman, which found that the Department for Work and Pensions failed to adequately communicate changes to the state pension age for women born in the 1950s.
The ombudsman recommended the government establish a flat-rate compensation scheme that would pay out between £1,000 and £2,950 to each of the more than 3 million women impacted. However, while accepting the findings, ministers rejected the call for compensation, arguing it would cost in excess of £200bn.
Many Labour MPs, trade unions, and women’s rights campaigners have demanded the government rethink its stance, insisting that those affected deserve recognition for the hardship they have endured as a result of the poor communication and mismanagement of the changes.
Starmer Under Fire
Rising to challenge her leader at the despatch box, Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, asked: “Does the Prime Minister accept that the ombudsman’s recommendation of compensation for Waspi women is the right thing to do, and that his government’s refusal to act is a betrayal of millions who have already lost out?”
In a terse response, Starmer stated: “90% of women knew about the changes in advance. While I have every sympathy for those affected, the fact is a compensation scheme costing over £200bn is simply not affordable. We have to be realistic and responsible with taxpayers’ money.”
The Labour leader’s comments provoked an angry response from some on the opposition benches, with shouts of “Shame!” and “What about justice?” heard in the chamber. Waspi activists watching from the public gallery staged a walkout in protest.
Leadership Defining Moment?
Commentators suggest Starmer’s firm rejection of compensation marks a significant moment in his leadership, as he seeks to establish Labour as a fiscally responsible government-in-waiting. By taking a hard line on such an emotive issue, he aims to bolster his electoral credibility, even at the risk of upsetting elements of his party’s base.
A senior Labour insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told us: “Keir knows this is a Defining moment. He can’t be seen To bow to pressure, no matter how sympathetic He May be. It’s about demonstrating leadership and proving We Can make tough choices in The national interest.”
However, critics argue Starmer’s stance is a betrayal of core Labour values and risks alienating key voter demographics. Outspoken backbencher Ian Lavery said: “Our leadership should be standing up for those who have lost out, not siding with a callous Conservative government. It’s wrong and will cost us dearly.”
Battle Lines Drawn
With battle lines drawn and tensions rising, the Waspi compensation row looks set to rumble on. Campaigners have vowed to intensify pressure on MPs across the political spectrum to back their calls for redress.
Opinion polls suggest strong public support for the affected women, with a recent survey finding 69% of Brits believe the government should pay compensation. However, there is also significant disquiet over the potential costs involved at a time of economic uncertainty.
“Balancing principles and pragmatism is the perennial challenge for any opposition leader aspiring to power. But in his bid to look tough and grown up, Starmer risks damaging his standing among the party’s grassroots for scant electoral advantage.”
– Comment piece, The Guardian
As Keir Starmer tries to chart a path to Downing Street, his approach to issues like Waspi compensation will be intensely scrutinized. By picking this fight, he has taken a significant gamble. Whether it pays off politically remains to be seen, but for the millions of women caught in the pension trap, the struggle goes on.
