The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has made a final appeal to women born in the 1950s, urging them to vote in the General Election on July 4 to secure justice over state pension age changes. Over 200 candidates from various parties have expressed support for compensation, but the lack of commitment from Labour and Conservative leaders has left many women disillusioned.
Angela Madden, Chair of WASPI, acknowledged the frustration but stressed the importance of voting. “We very much understand women’s frustration, but not voting won’t help,” she said. “We were getting so close to victory before the General Election. This is unfinished business that a new government just won’t be able to ignore so long as we all keep using our voices - and our votes.”
On WASPI’s Facebook page, which has 140,000 members, women expressed mixed feelings. Tina declared she would not vote, while Jenny and Dawn reported receiving no replies from parties. Others, like Elizabeth, urged voting as a tribute to suffragettes. Elaine noted a positive response from a Liberal Democrat candidate, whose party included compensation in its manifesto.
WASPI welcomed manifesto commitments from the Liberal Democrats, SNP, and Plaid Cymru. Labour and the Conservatives have not committed to a compensation scheme, though 59 Labour and 21 Conservative candidates have pledged support. An estimated 3.6 million women were affected by the failure to inform them of state pension age increases.
A Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report recommended compensation of £1,000 to £2,950 per person. WASPI continues to push for action, urging women to vote and hold candidates accountable after the election.
