COLUMN: Standing Up for WASPI Women

I received a very warm welcome from staff and governors at Farney Close on Friday

By Alison Bennett MP as printed in the Thursday, 25 July 2024, print edition of the Mid Sussex Times.

I am deeply committed to addressing the injustices faced by women born in the 1950s due to abrupt changes in the state pension age. These women, often referred to as WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women, have suffered significant financial loss through no fault of their own. The lack of adequate notice and support left many unprepared, causing widespread hardship.

This week, I supported an Early Day Motion in Parliament, tabled by Wendy Chamberlain, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Work and Pensions. The motion calls for the new Labour Government to act on the recommendations of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report, published in May 2024. The report acknowledges the financial losses endured by these women and urges the government to implement a fair compensation scheme.

The Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of advocating for WASPI compensation. With over one hundred 1950s women passing away each day, many without receiving due compensation, it is crucial that the government acts swiftly. Angela Madden, Chair of WASPI, emphasised the urgency, noting that one WASPI woman dies every 13 minutes.

The stories from affected women in Mid Sussex are both heartbreaking and infuriating. Many have had to drastically alter their lifestyles, deplete their savings, or continue working despite health issues. This is a matter of justice and dignity. As your MP, I am committed to pushing for a fair resolution and ensuring these women receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.

Back home, I was pleased to be able to attend a public meeting of parents and teachers about the ongoing funding dispute at schools in Mid Sussex which are part of the University of Brighton Academy Trust. I have made a number of representations to members of the Board of Trustees, and will be arranging to meet them in the near future. 

On Friday I very much enjoyed the Summer Fete at Farney Close which is a special school near Bolney. In the evening I dropped into the Burgess Hill Cricket Club for their end of season awards, and caught up with the team on their plans to extend and refurbish the pavilion in the heart of St John’s Park.