Commonwealth Countries: Reciprocal Pension Agreements

Debate between Lord Singh of Wimbledon and Baroness Stedman-Scott

Monday 1st March 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB) [V]]

My Lords, the Commonwealth should be united by a common commitment to human rights and the well-being of all. Sadly, this has been marred by our silence over the brutal repression of the farmers’ dispute in India. Does the Minister agree that reciprocal pension arrangements can help restore the image by, for example, allowing retirement to Commonwealth countries, which will reduce healthcare needs in the UK?

[Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)]

The UK has different social security arrangements with different Commonwealth countries. While some bilateral agreements provide for uprating, others do not. I am very happy to meet with the noble Lord to discuss this further if it helps him.