Women’s State Pension Age: Ombudsman Report
Debate between Gavin Newlands and Roger Gale(6 months, 1 week ago)
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Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)
One of my constituents, who I have worked with since 2017, was one of the ombudsman’s six test cases. In fact, I am unable to make a speech today because I am meeting the ombudsman on behalf of my constituent at 2 pm. My hon. Friend is frustrated with the Government’s lack of action so far, but is she as disappointed and angry as I am about the Labour party’s refusal to back the WASPI women, despite promising tens of billions in compensation at the last election?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)
Order. Before the hon. Lady proceeds, I note that 21 Members wish to participate in the debate. I understand that this is an important subject and I have no desire whatsoever to curtail either the debate or the right of hon. Members to intervene—I appreciate only too well the urgency of getting one’s point on the record—but if those on the Front Bench, or indeed any other hon. Member, give way too many times, not all will be called to speak. It is important that every hon. Member who wishes to speak can do so, and I therefore hope that we can resist the temptation to intervene whenever not necessary.
Point of Order
Debate between Gavin Newlands and Roger Gale
Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. One of the test cases reviewed in the report, which was just mentioned in the last question, is my constituent who has fought for a decade for the Department for Work and Pensions to right these wrongs. She felt a huge sense of responsibility in acting on behalf of the millions of WASPI women. In my office, we have been with her every step of the way.
The DWP has treated my constituent and the WASPI women with contempt, obfuscation and delay. Shamefully, it is now failing to acknowledge these findings, accept the ombudsman’s report and apologise for the life-changing impact its maladministration has had on these women. Mr Deputy Speaker, have you or the Speaker’s Office had confirmation from the Government on the precise timing of a statement on the report? Secondly, given that the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman said that the DWP’s refusal to accept its findings is unacceptable and that it has had to ask Parliament to intervene—clearly, it has no confidence in the Department —how do we as Members demonstrate our lack of confidence in the Department and its Secretary of State?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving notice of the thrust of his question. First, the Chair has had no notice of an imminent statement. However, the hon. Gentleman will have heard the Leader of the House in answer to, I think, five questions on the subject this morning indicate very clearly that a statement will be made as soon as possible. I am sure the whole House will welcome that reassurance.
Bill Presented
Climate and Nature Bill
Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)
Alex Sobel, supported by Caroline Lucas, Ed Davey, Colum Eastwood, Brendan O’Hara, Olivia Blake, Sir Peter Bottomley, Daisy Cooper, Clive Lewis, Stephen Farry, Alison Thewliss and Derek Thomas, presented a Bill to require the United Kingdom to achieve climate and nature targets; to give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve those targets; to establish a Climate and Nature Assembly to advise the Secretary of State in creating that strategy; to give duties to the Committee on Climate Change and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee regarding the strategy and targets; and for connected purposes.
Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 17 May, and to be printed (Bill 192).