Andy Burnham is under significant pressure to fulfil his promise of compensating Britain's WASPI women should he become Prime Minister. The Manchester mayor has been a vocal advocate for reimbursing women born in the 1950s, who claim they were not adequately informed about increases to the state pension age.
WASPI Campaign Optimistic
After years of campaigning for a payout that could cost taxpayers over £10 billion, the WASPI campaign now sees hope in a potential Burnham premiership. A spokesperson for the group highlighted his previous warning that failing to provide full and immediate compensation would be 'morally indefensible'.
Despite recent policy shifts on issues like rejoining the EU, a Burnham spokesperson did not dampen expectations that he would meet WASPI demands, stating: 'Andy has supported the WASPI campaign throughout, and will continue to do so.'
Long-standing Support
Burnham's support dates back to 2016 when, as an MP, he criticised government claims that compensation was unaffordable. He told a minister: 'He has talked about resources, but what price justice? What price doing the right thing?' In December 2024, after the Labour government again rejected compensation, Burnham called it a 'clear injustice'.
Angela Madden, Chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality, said: 'Andy has been a consistent and principled supporter of WASPI women for many years, and we are grateful for that. He has said himself that 'anything less than full and immediate compensation is morally indefensible', and we agree entirely.'
WASPI has had constructive conversations with Burnham in recent months, alongside hundreds of MPs from all main parties. The Mail understands that Burnham spoke with the campaign six months ago, reconfirming his support.
Fiscal Concerns
Labour MPs supporting Burnham warn he must set out a plan to compensate those affected. However, sticking to his calls could create a fiscal nightmare. Official figures suggest a flat-rate payout to all affected women would cost up to £10.5 billion—equivalent to over 8,200 average British households' lifetime tax contributions.
The TaxPayers' Alliance warned voters would be 'alarmed' by such spending. William Yarwood, campaigns director, said: 'If he becomes prime minister, the public should brace themselves not just for soaring borrowing costs, but for more reckless tax-and-spend policies as well. Burnham should rule out compensating the WASPI women just as this government has already done.'
