Sir John Hayes, Member of Parliament for South Holland and The Deepings, has called on the government to deliver long-overdue justice to the women affected by changes to the state pension age – often referred to as the WASPI women.
Speaking in a House of Commons debate on Thursday, July 3, Sir John criticised the government’s failure to act on the findings of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which concluded that the Department for Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration in its communication of the changes.
“The Ombudsman was clear,” Sir John said. “WASPI women lost the ability to make informed decisions, and their financial security and personal autonomy were diminished as a result. To ignore that finding is simply unacceptable.”
He also noted the rare cross-party consensus on the issue, with MPs from all major parties uniting to condemn the lack of action.
Sir John continued: “This is not just about policy—it is about principle.
These women were treated unjustly, and the Government must put that right. It is not too late to deliver a fair and reasonable settlement.”
Sir John’s intervention comes amid growing frustration from campaigners, many of whom have waited years for redress. He urged Ministers to reconsider their position and take meaningful steps to resolve the matter.
“It’s about decency, democracy, and doing the right thing,” Sir John concluded. “The WASPI women deserve better.”
