Alba Party: Only independence can now secure justice for WASPI women

Alba Party have condemned a “betrayal” of WASPI women by the Labour Party and stated that justice for WASPI Women can now only be secured with Scottish independence. 

Alba’s candidate in the upcoming Perth by-election has hit out reports of Energy Minister Michael Shanks telling a constituent that he believed that the amount of compensation recommended – between £1000 and around £3000 – would be “insulting” to victims.

The letter also revealed that the Treasury, which is asking departments to make swingeing cuts ahead of next month’s Budget, is in “fresh discussions” with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about compensation.

But the Labour Minister argued strongly against a universal scheme saying: “I’m not convinced a one-size-fits-all approach is right, or a good use of public money.”

Waspi women have campaigned for years to be compensated after missing out on their pensions when the eligibility age was increased.

They argue the changes, which were accelerated after they were first announced, were not adequately communicated to those affected.

The comments have enraged Alba Party who have been calling for compensation for the women involved.

In the letter, first reported in David Hencke’s Westminster Confidential blog and verified by the National, Shanks said he wanted the Government’s response to an ombudsman report earlier this year calling for compensation to be “fully costed and considered”.

Alba candidate Robert Reid says it is now clear that “the new Labour Government are set follow the former Tory Government in failing to deliver justice for WASPI women.” 

Reid says that now only with the powers of independence can WASPI women be compensated in Scotland. 

Commenting Alba Party candidate in the Perth North by election Robert Reid said:

“WASPI women were let down badly by the Tory Government and now they are being betrayed by the UK Labour Government.  This is a matter of pension justice with the women affected by the change in the pension age entitled to appropriate compensation. 

“This is an historic wrong that must be righted. It is now clear that pension justice for the WASPI women can only be delivered with Independence.”