Two-thirds of young voters are in favor of the Government providing compensation to WASPI women, according to recent polling data. The campaign has highlighted strong support for its cause among individuals aged 18-34, with 66% agreeing that over three million women born in the 1950s should receive financial payouts. Angela Madden, the chair of WASPI, has cautioned government officials that they are running out of time to deliver justice.
In the upcoming month, supporters await a decision from the Government regarding a possible shift in their stance on compensation following the emergence of new evidence. Madden emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that younger generations grasp the importance of fairness and justice spanning different age groups. The overwhelming backing from 18-34-year-olds indicates a refusal to accept a society where government actions can disregard accountability and deny restitution to those who have suffered injustice.
A survey conducted by Yonder, polling 2,095 adults, revealed that 53% of individuals aged 18-34 believe the Government should conduct a debate and vote on the issue of compensation. Additionally, 77% expressed the opinion that individuals affected by maladministration should be entitled to redress without the need for legal proceedings.
Pressure is mounting on the Government to reconsider its decision to withhold compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 from 3.6 million women. WASPI had been preparing for a legal confrontation in early December to demand a judicial review; however, legal action has been postponed pending the outcome of the latest review.
Mrs. Madden, aged 71, stressed that only a compensation scheme will be acceptable. She cautioned that time is running out and urged every Member of Parliament to make it clear to ministers that they are at a critical juncture. Disregarding the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman could lead to significant public backlash and additional legal challenges.
Campaigners have managed to gather over £250,000 to support their legal battle. Failures within the DWP resulted in a lack of proper communication regarding the decision to raise the state pension age for women, leaving many in financial hardship due to the inability to plan for their future.
These women were adversely affected by the increase in their state pension age from 60 to 65 and then to 66. A spokesperson from the DWP stated that a review of the decision will be conducted within three months, emphasizing that this does not automatically imply that the Government will opt to provide financial compensation.