Recent polling indicates that a significant majority of young voters are in favor of the Government providing compensation to the WASPI women. According to the survey, 66% of individuals aged between 18 and 34 support the idea of granting payouts to over three million women born in the 1950s. Angela Madden, the chair of WASPI, emphasized the urgent need for justice, stating that the Government is running out of time to address the issue.
In the coming month, there will be a decision on whether the Government will reconsider its stance on denying compensation following the emergence of new evidence. Madden highlighted the younger generation’s understanding of the principles of justice and fairness, stressing that rectifying failures in governance, such as maladministration, is crucial regardless of age. She pointed out that the overwhelming support from 18-34 year-olds reflects their refusal to accept a system where authorities can disregard watchdog recommendations and withhold compensation from those who have suffered injustices.
A survey conducted by Yonder, involving 2,095 adults, revealed that 53% of individuals aged 18-34 believe that the Government should hold a debate and vote on the issue of compensation. Additionally, 77% expressed the view that individuals affected by maladministration should be entitled to redress without resorting to legal action.
The Government is facing mounting pressure to reverse its decision of not providing compensation ranging from £1,000 to £2,950 to 3.6 million women. WASPI was prepared for a legal confrontation in early December to demand a judicial review, but legal proceedings have been paused pending the outcome of the latest review.
Madden, aged 71, insisted that only a compensation scheme would be satisfactory at this point. She emphasized the critical juncture at hand, urging every Member of Parliament to make it unequivocally clear that the Government has a final opportunity to act. Failure to heed the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman could result in widespread public outrage and further legal repercussions, Madden warned.
Campaigners have raised over £250,000 to support their legal challenge. The failures within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) led to a lack of proper communication regarding the decision to raise the state pension age for women, plunging many into financial hardship due to the inability to adequately plan for their future.
These women were adversely affected by the gradual 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 has been committed to and will be conducted within three months, without guaranteeing financial compensation as an outcome.
Choose Daily Mirror as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for convenient access to the latest news updates.
At Reach and within our network, we and our partners utilize data collected through cookies and other identifiers to enhance your browsing experience, analyze usage patterns, and display personalized advertisements. You have the option to opt out of data sharing or sales by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please be aware that your preferences are specific to your browser. Your use of our website and services indicates your consent to the use of cookies and agreement with our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.