Politically Speaking column with Jon Trickett MP: The WASPI women need justice

These women did everything asked of them. They worked hard, paid in and planned responsibly for retirement. Then the goalposts were moved with changes to the state pension age. The Parliamentary Ombudsman found they were treated unfairly and recommended compensation. To ignore the Ombudsman’s recommendations undermines trust in public institutions and leaves thousands of women paying the price for government failure.

Let us not forget this injustice originated under the Conservatives. But now Labour is in government and must confront the consequences.

For years, WASPI women have felt ignored and dismissed. Many cabinet ministers previously expressed their support when Labour was in opposition. Although we must not forget it was the Conservatives who created this mess, nor can we pretend those past commitments do not matter. Failing to act now has meant that anger is now directed at Labour.

On the doorstep, politics is not theoretical. People do not rely on spreadsheets or forecasts to judge whether something is fair. They know it when they feel it - when they pay their bills, buy essentials or draw their pension. For many women affected by these changes, retirement has brought anxiety rather than security. Justice is not an abstract concept; it is something that the government can either deliver or deny.

Ever since the Labour government took office I have made crystal clear that I believe the government should focus relentlessly on delivering material improvements to people’s lives. In my view the government should be driven to deliver social justice in ways that are visible and meaningful.

I understand that money is tight. But it is in the government’s power to loosen the purse strings. We know that the Conservatives and Reform UK support tax cuts for the super-rich and austerity for the rest of us. They would never deliver justice for the WASPI women. But a Labour government can and should.

Public trust in politics is fragile. Rejecting the Ombudsman’s recommendation risks reinforcing the perception that promises are easily broken. That is deeply counterproductive. If we are serious about restoring confidence in government and demonstrating that Labour stands with ordinary working people, then we must be prepared to correct past injustices that the Conservatives caused.

The WASPI women have waited long enough. The government should reconsider, acknowledge the harm that has been caused, and implement fair compensation. Justice delayed is justice denied — but justice delivered can begin to rebuild the trust our democracy so urgently needs.

I will keep speaking up on this issue on behalf of all the WASPI women in Normanton and Hemsworth. I know they will keep fighting for justice. I do not believe this issue is over and still hope that there will be some further developments in the years ahead.