By Isle of Wight Observer
Solent WASPI’s IW members gathered in Ryde on August 29 to mark a milestone,10 years of campaigning for justice for thousands of 1950s-born women hit by state pension changes.
The group is part of the national Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, which seeks compensation for women who were not properly informed about rises to their pension age. Over the past decade, Solent & IW WASPI has lobbied MPs, marched, raised awareness and built a vital support network.
Campaigners say women were “betrayed” when Labour decided not to offer compensation, despite the Ombudsman ruling they suffered injustice. A High Court challenge against that decision is due in December.
Group coordinator Shelagh Simmons said; “This anniversary is a recognition of our strength and solidarity, but also a reminder that justice is long overdue. Despite betrayal by government, we will never stop fighting until every single one of the 1950s women receives the justice they deserve.”
Isle of Wight East Conservative MP Joe Robertson voiced “deep disappointment” at ministers’ failure to act, adding; “These women were blindsided by poorly communicated changes and deserve more than empty words.”
Lib Dem councillor Michael Lilley also pledged support, calling WASPI women “brave and courageous” and praising them as “our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and neighbours who have supported us, now we must stand by them.”
WASPI hopes IW West MP Richard Quigley will reaffirm his support when members meet him in September.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter