The leader of the WASPI campaign has cautioned government officials that backing for their cause is at an all-time high, with members gearing up for potential legal action in the upcoming year.
Angela Madden, the chair of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), emphasized that millions of women born in the 1950s are resolute in their quest for compensation. This determination follows the government’s reevaluation of its previous decision to deny payouts in light of new information.
At 71 years old, Angela asserted that only a comprehensive compensation scheme for over 3.5 million women would be acceptable. She stressed their readiness to pursue legal avenues if they perceive the government’s actions as unjust.
WASPI had been prepared for a legal confrontation in early December, seeking a judicial review, but legal proceedings have been paused pending the latest review outcome. Angela highlighted members’ continued outrage over the failure to grant payouts ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 over a year ago, estimating that one affected woman passes away every 13 minutes.
Following a last-minute agreement to cover £180,000 in legal costs, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is slated to announce its decision in February.
Angela expressed suspicions that the government may have already made up its mind and emphasized the community’s growing support for their cause. She noted an increase in Facebook followers and a rise in paid memberships, indicating a surge in engagement and financial backing.
In 2024, the government apologized for a significant delay in notifying affected women about changes to the state pension age but declined to provide financial compensation. Despite recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) to establish a compensation scheme, the government stood firm.
Angela underscored the unfairness faced by their group, criticizing the government’s stance on the issue and highlighting the solidarity of younger generations who understand the implications of the pension age changes.
The ongoing review process and the government’s reluctance to acknowledge the hardships faced by the affected women have fueled frustration among the WASPI advocates, who await the government’s decision with anticipation.