Mineworkers’ Pension Schemes: Nottinghamshire

Lee Pitcher Excerpts

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Steve Yemm (Mansfield) (Lab)]

Madam Deputy Speaker, before I start I want to say something about today’s date. Sixty years ago, a colliery spoil tip gave way above the village of Aberfan and slid down on to Pantglas junior school. One hundred and sixteen children and 28 adults were killed. Anyone who grew up in a coalfield community knows the name Aberfan. It is part of our shared history, and the people of that village have carried it every day since. I know that the whole House will have this in their thoughts today.

I am grateful for the chance to raise an issue that matters a great deal to people in Mansfield, across Nottinghamshire and in former coalfields right across the country: the pensions of the men and women who worked in our pits, and whether we are finally going to give them everything that they are owed.

[Lee Pitcher (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme) (Lab)]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Steve Yemm]

I will give way, and I am going to take as many interventions as possible, but I would ask Members to be brief please.

[Lee Pitcher]

I thank my hon. Friend for giving way. I had one of those dreaded calls this week from a family member to say that a resident of mine had passed away without getting justice. These people gave blood, sweat and tears for our country. Is it not time that they got justice?

[Steve Yemm]

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. It is long overdue. For years, a group of campaigners from Nottinghamshire and right across the country refused to let this issue go.