Plaid Cymru pledge to fight for 'abandoned' WASPI women

Ben Lake makes pledge to WASPI campaigners in Newcastle Emlyn

Plaid Cymru has said that ensuring compensation for women hit by changes in the state pension age will be a priority after the General Election, after both Labour and the Conservatives were accused of abandoning them.

The campaign group Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) has been pressing for compensation for women, born in the 1950s, who have been short-changed by thousands of pounds by changes to their pension entitlements.

Neither the Conservative or Labour election manifestos launched this week contained commitments to fully compensate women, despite the Department of Work and Pensions being found guilty of maladministration in failing to notify them properly of changes to their pensions. 

Plaid Cymru's manifesto supports compensation payments of between £3000 and £9950 for women affected.

Meeting WASPI campaigners in Newcastle Emlyn, Plaid Cymru candidate for Ceredigion Preseli Ben Lake said;

"Plaid Cymru has long supported WASPI in its fight for compensation for women born in the 1950s.

"The UK Government has been found to have acted unfairly in not notifying women properly of changes to their pensions. It's disappointing that that neither Labour or the Tories are willing to right this wrong if they're voted into power on July 4.

"I'm proud that Plaid Cymru's manifesto, launched this week, had a crystal-clear commitment to providing compensation for women who have been seriously affected financially by this scandal.

"These women have suffered years of injustice, and yet the two major parties continue to deny rightful compensation. 

"This affects thousands of women in every constituency in Wales. The pensions they expected to receive when they turned 60 simply weren't there.

"Plaid Cymru candidates will stand with these women as they continue to fight for justice, and put pressure on whoever forms the next government in Westminster."