Scottish Labour MPs are caught in a tricky situation over Waspi compensation, facing pressure from both constituents and party leadership.
Edinburgh: Next Tuesday, SNP leader Stephen Flynn is set to introduce a bill. If it passes, the UK Government would have to create a compensation scheme for women who didn’t know about changes to the state pension age.
These women, known as Waspi women, are seeking compensation for the hardships caused by these rushed changes made by the Conservatives.
Last year, an ombudsman suggested that these women should receive between £1,000 and £2,950 each, which could cost the UK Government up to £10 billion.
Despite past promises, Labour has decided against any compensation for those affected. This includes a rather unfortunate photo-op by Liz Kendall, who is now the Work and Pensions Secretary.
But the issue isn’t over yet. Recently, MSPs voted unanimously to urge the UK Government to compensate Waspi women.
This gives Scottish Labour MSPs a chance to tell their constituents they supported Waspi compensation ahead of the upcoming Holyrood election in 2026.
However, sharp-eyed voters will be watching what their MPs do in Westminster.
Will they back the SNP’s bill or stick with Keir Starmer’s stance and ignore the clear message from Holyrood?
They could also choose to abstain, but that’s not a great look, especially after claiming they were “sending a government” to Westminster just six months ago.
In the grand scheme, Starmer has enough support to handle a significant rebellion from Scottish Labour MPs and their colleagues from across the UK.
Scottish Labour MPs are left with three options: defy the Government, disregard the Scottish Parliament, or pretend nothing is happening and abstain.
It’s truly a lose-lose-lose situation for them.
