Alongside my colleagues, I remain fully committed to achieving justice and I echo the views expressed by the co-chairs of the APPG outlined in the attached statement.
Today's disappointing judgement is but one event in a long campaign for justice and equality.
It is important not to be put off or deterred from pursuing this issue as a result of this setback and continue working.
In a summary of the High Court's decision, the judges said: "There was no direct discrimination on grounds of sex, because this legislation does not treat women less favourably than men in law. Rather it equalises a historic asymmetry between men and women and thereby corrects historic direct discrimination against men."
I share in frustration with the finding. It was clear that the policy was correct in principal but the practise of introducing it created issues that were not fully addressed and have, subsequently, led to many being out of pocket and in difficult situations. There is a difference between 'legal' and 'fair'. What has taken place can be seen by many as unfair. I will go on fighting for the women affected by these changes to receive an apology and compensation.
I will do what I can to build consensus and compassion in Parliament for the WASPI campaign.
For ease of understanding, below is a link to a recent BBC News article that explains what the court has decided and why: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49917315
