Scottish Government backs compensation for WASPI women

The UK Government should ensure justice for women affected by its mistakes, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will tell MSPs in this afternoon's debate: That the Parliament calls on the UK Government to compensate Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) women as recommended by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Somerville said:

“This issue has affected 336,000 women in Scotland who deserve to be fairly compensated for the mistakes of the UK Government.

“It is vital that the UK Government and DWP takes responsibility for these failings and this includes delivering a full compensation package at the earliest possible time.

“I call on the UK Government to listen to the WASPI women's call for comprehensive compensation, taking into account the financial hardship suffered, coupled with the UK having one of the worst gender pension gaps in the OECD.”