Women from across the south, including the Isle of Wight, joined a nationwide demonstration in Westminster on Budget Day last Wednesday.

Members of Solent & Isle of Wight Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) gathered in Parliament Square for the “WASPI Can’t Wait – Compensate!” protest. The demonstrators called for swift action on a report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which concluded that women, born in the 1950s, suffered injustices due to poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions regarding State Pension age changes.

Despite the report’s release in March, affected women are still waiting for compensation. Equipped with pots, pans, and whistles, the angry protesters made sure they were heard during Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech.

While compensation was announced for other injustices, the WASPI women say that are disappointed that their own cause was notably absent.

Solent WASPI co-ordinator, Shelagh Simmons, expressed disappointment at the omission. She said: “We very much welcome the news on compensation for victims of the Infected Blood and Post Office scandals. But we are disappointed nothing was said about us, despite clear recommendations from the government’s own watchdog.”

An estimated 300,000 affected women have died since the campaign began nine years ago, including 25,000 since the ombudsman’s report was published. A minute’s silence was held to honour them.

Shelagh also emphasised the urgency for action, noting support from MPs across the south from all parties, and urging ministers to act swiftly. “Our presence showed the strength of feeling that this injustice must be remedied. Now Ministers must deliver,” she concluded.