The leader of the WASPI movement has cautioned government officials that backing for their cause is at an all-time high, and members are prepared to pursue legal action in the upcoming year.
Angela Madden, the head of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) group, emphasized that millions of women born in the 1950s remain resolute in their demand for compensation. This follows the government’s reconsideration of their decision to deny payouts in light of new information.
At 71 years old, Angela asserted that nothing less than a compensation scheme for over 3.5 million women will be acceptable. She expressed readiness to challenge any ruling deemed unjust in court.
WASPI had been gearing up for a legal battle in early December to seek a judicial review but have temporarily halted legal proceedings pending the outcome of the ongoing review. Angela highlighted the ongoing disappointment among members over the previous decision to withhold payments ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 over a year ago, estimating that an affected woman dies every 13 minutes.
Following a last-minute agreement to cover legal costs amounting to £180,000, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to announce its final decision in February.
Angela voiced suspicions that the government may have already made a final decision, indicating a lack of willingness to reconsider. She attributed the failures at the DWP to the lack of proper communication, resulting in severe financial hardships for those most affected.
Despite setbacks, Angela noted a growing support base for the campaign, with an increase in social media followers and membership subscriptions. The ongoing crowd justice fundraiser has surpassed its target, indicating sustained public backing for their cause.
In a past apology in 2024, the government acknowledged a significant delay in notifying affected women about the change in the state pension age but rejected the notion of financial compensations, despite recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
Angela stressed the injustice faced by their group, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and recognition of the impact on their lives. The campaign continues to gain support from various age groups, highlighting the shared concern for future generations facing similar challenges.
Recent revelations in November revealed new information from 2007 that had not been previously disclosed, leading to a review of the decision not to grant compensation. However, government officials clarified that revisiting the decision does not guarantee financial redress.
The WASPI group anticipates an official outcome from the DWP by February 24. A recent poll indicated strong public sentiment in favor of fair compensation for affected women, with concerns raised over political promises made regarding the issue.