SNP CALL FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND PAYMENT FOR 1950s WOMEN

Local SNP MSP Tom Arthur has spoken out in solidarity with WASPI women after campaigners lost a significant legal battle.

The High Court dismissed the case contesting the controversial adjustments made to the state pension age, which campaigners say unlawfully discriminate against women born in the 1950s.

Today’s decision comes after years of battles by women born in the 1950s who are having their state pension age hiked to 66 by 2020, a decision which has affected some 3.8 million women.

Campaigners are not against equalisation, but rather the unfair and discriminatory way in which they were introduced, with many women receiving no notice of the six-year hike and therefore having little to no time to prepare for a significant change to their personal finances – a loss of up to £48,000.

Now, Renfrewshire South’s MSP is backing calls for the Tories to undertake a full impact assessment on how successive UK governments have disadvantaged WASPI women. Once this assessment has been completed, a payment acknowledging any disadvantage caused should be made to 1950s women without delay.

Tom Arthur MSP, who spoke at WASPI Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Dumbartonshire and Renfrewshire Group’s public meeting in Barrhead in August, highlighted his disappointment at the ruling and his ongoing support for the campaign.

He said:

“This ruling is understandably disheartening for those affected by pension injustice, who have campaigned tirelessly to secure fairness.

“Nevertheless, the SNP will continue to fight for the UK Government to take the responsibility they have shirked for too long and end this inequality at source.

“This longstanding issue affects thousands of women across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, including their families, and I will continue to offer my unwavering support the Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) campaign.”

Dozens, including members of the WASPI Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Dumbartonshire and Renfrewshire Group, gathered at the Mary Barbour statue in Govan to await the ruling. When the news of the defeat came there was shock, disappointment and anger as the women vowed to continue their struggle.

Anyone seeking advice or information, or to get involved with the campaign, can email the local WASPI group on waspiglas73@gmail.com.

Categories: News