The leader of the WASPI movement has cautioned government officials that backing for their cause is now stronger than ever, with members prepared for a legal battle in the upcoming year.
Angela Madden, the chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality, emphasized that millions of women born in the 1950s remain steadfast in their pursuit of compensation. This determination has been fueled by the government’s reconsideration of its initial decision to deny payouts following the emergence of new evidence.
Angela, aged 71, insisted that nothing less than a compensation scheme for over 3.5 million women would be acceptable. She expressed readiness to pursue legal action if deemed necessary, stating, “We are fully prepared to go to court again if we believe the decision is unjust.”
The WASPI group was on track for a legal confrontation in early December, seeking a judicial review, but legal proceedings have been put on hold pending the outcome of the ongoing review. Angela highlighted members’ ongoing outrage over the refusal to grant compensations ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 over a year ago, estimating that an affected woman dies approximately every 13 minutes.
After agreeing to cover £180,000 in legal costs through a last-minute deal, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to announce its decision in February.
Angela criticized the government’s reluctance to face court proceedings, suggesting that they fear their decision would be deemed unlawful. She expressed growing skepticism that the government might have already made up its mind and is unlikely to reverse its stance.
Failures within the DWP resulted in a lack of proper communication regarding the decision to raise the state pension age for women, leading to severe financial hardships for those most affected.
Despite facing challenges, Angela highlighted the rising support for the campaign, noting an increase in Facebook followers and a boost in membership interest. She mentioned the success of a fundraising initiative and the continued backing from supporters.
In 2024, the government apologized for a significant delay in notifying affected women about the pension age change, yet declined to offer any financial compensations, despite recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Angela emphasized the unfair treatment faced by the affected women, criticizing the government for neglecting their contributions and needs. She highlighted the generational solidarity within the campaign and the shared goal of seeking justice.
In a recent development, a previously undisclosed document from 2007 has surfaced, prompting a review of the decision not to provide compensations. However, there is no assurance that revisiting the decision will result in financial redress.
The WASPI group anticipates an announcement from the DWP by February 24. A recent poll revealed widespread public support for fair compensation for the affected women, with many expressing disappointment in the government’s response to the issue.