Changes that came in a number of years ago have had a severe impact on some women born in the 1950s as their pensionable ages rise from 60 to 66. It has been estimated that up to one million women have been affected by these changes.
I have been a longstanding campaigner alongside local and national groups to support greater recognition of the serious issues faced by women caught between the equalisation age brackets when the state pension age for men and women was equalised.
Many women have now reached what they thought would be their retirement age, only to find out that they will be required to work another six years with no additional support from the Government.
I am proud to support the WASPI - Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign, taking their concerns to the Government and ensuring that my colleauges are aware of the facts behind the issue.
The WASPI women have been incredibly active over the past five years in bringing this issue to Parliament. Whether it be attending their rallys in Parliament Square or meetings with local group in, I have seen first-hand the ardor and dedication behind this campaign.
There has long been a strong view in Parliament that something more needs to be done. We began as a vocal minority. The number of supporters increases - the campaign progresses.
With Tim Loughton MP, I continue to support the WASPI campaign.
There is more thinking and work to be done, though we can note progress. Below are updates linked to this important campaign.
