Women’s State Pension Age Communication: PHSO Report

Debate between Liz Kendall and Llinos Medi

Tuesday 17th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Liz Kendall]

My hon. Friend states the fact that the Conservatives broke the triple lock two years ago. Indeed, their shadow Chancellor says that it is unsustainable. I am sure that his constituents will hear those comments loud and clear.

[Llinos Medi (Ynys Môn) (PC)]

Today’s announcement is a huge blow to 1950s-born women affected by state pension changes, who have campaigned tirelessly for justice and accountability, including on the maladministration that the Secretary of State has admitted took place. She promised jobs, homes and opportunities in her statement, but given that one affected woman dies every 13 minutes, can she explain exactly how that will benefit 1950s-born retired women?

[Liz Kendall]

I know that a number of women expected to be able to retire earlier than they could, but the decision to increase the state pension age has been taken. It was taken by Parliament, agreed by subsequent Parliaments, and deemed legal by the courts in 2020—that issue is settled. This is about the communication of it. As I say, we have accepted the finding of maladministration, but we do not accept the approach to injustice or compensation for all the reasons that I have set out. The Government are taking difficult decisions so that we can invest in the pension triple lock and the NHS, build homes, and get people the jobs that they need—many 1950s-born women are very concerned about those things, not just for themselves but for their families. On this specific issue, I know that many people will be disappointed and angry, but we believe that it is the right and fair decision for all the reasons that I have set out.