Amanda Martin has reaffirmed her support for women affected by changes to the State Pension age and announced a dedicated coffee morning to hear directly from local WASPI women about the next steps in the ongoing campaign.
The event will take place on Saturday 21st March, 9:30am–10:30am, in Portsmouth.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Amanda Martin MP said: “I want to be clear that I support the women affected by these changes. I know how deeply frustrating this situation has been, and I have heard those frustrations on the doorstep, at my coffee mornings, and through the many letters and emails I receive. This issue has not gone away, and neither has my determination to keep pressing it.”
The announcement follows developments relating to the findings of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which in March 2024 concluded that maladministration occurred in the way changes to the State Pension age were communicated to women born in the 1950s.
While the Government has now accepted the Ombudsman’s finding and repeated its apology for delays in communication, it has stated that it does not believe a compensation scheme estimated to cost up to £10.3 billion would be fair or proportionate.
Amanda Martin MP has consistently raised constituents’ concerns by meeting Ministers, writing formally to Government departments, and working alongside MPs from across Parliament to press for accountability and fairness.
She is now continuing to seek the views of affected women on how to move forward. Options under consideration include continuing to press for compensation, even if initially as a token gesture to establish the principle of redress or exploring alternative arrangements for example women born in 1952 and 1953, who were among the first affected and had the least time to make alternative plans.
Local MP Amanda Martin went on to say: “I am genuinely keen to hear directly from women about what we should do next,” she said. “Your experiences and perspectives must help shape the next steps we take together.”
Women who would like to attend the coffee morning are encouraged to contact Amanda Martin MP’s office to register their interest. Further details will be shared with attendees in advance of the event.
