Labour MP Chris Webb has urged WASPI women to “bear with us” as he pledged his continued support for their compensation battle.
The Blackpool South MP told GB News he has stood with the affected women since 2017 and believes they deserve a fair settlement.
His comments come as Labour faces criticism for rejecting compensation claims from 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who were not adequately notified about state pension age changes.
“What we’re saying to women is, bear with us. We’re here with you, we’re shoulder to shoulder, we need to get you a fair settlement,” Webb said.
Chris Webb said the British public should ‘bear with’ Labour
GB NEWS
Labour’s decision has dealt a double blow to affected women, with a combined impact of £3,150 through denied compensation and scrapped winter fuel payments.
Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced the government would reject payment claims from most of the 3.6 million affected women, despite the parliamentary ombudsman recommending compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950.
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The decision follows Labour’s earlier move to axe winter fuel payments for up to 10 million pensioners.
WASPI chair Angela Madden called the decision “bizarre and totally unjust,” questioning the point of an ombudsman if ministers can ignore their recommendations.
The government has acknowledged maladministration but dismissed calls for a blanket compensation scheme that could cost up to £10.5 billion.
Webb has distanced himself from Labour’s winter fuel payment cuts, highlighting local efforts to support pensioners in Blackpool.
Chris Webb joined Sophie Reaper on GB News
GB NEWS
“We’ve been helping hundreds get not just pension credit, but other support,” he told GB News.
The MP established a taskforce of charities and volunteer organisations to address the crisis.
“We made sure we brought a coalition through my task force of charities and volunteer organisations to make sure no pensioner and no family chooses between heating and eating in Blackpool this winter,” Webb said.
Some councils, including Kent, Manchester, and Blackpool, are now offering up to £200 to struggling pensioners who miss out on Winter Fuel Allowance.
Webb acknowledged current economic challenges while emphasising Labour’s long-term vision for recovery.
“We know the economy is not where we want it to be, but this is a long journey,” he told GB News.
The Blackpool South MP outlined his party’s focus on strengthening local communities.
“This is about rebuilding the foundations, investing in local services and getting growth to create the jobs we desperately need in places like Blackpool,” he said.
His stance echoes broader Labour efforts to address financial challenges, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisting pensioners will “still be better off this winter than they were last winter.”
