As a supporter of fairness, particularly when it comes to pensions for which many people work so hard for, I have been pleased to back the WASPI campaign in my parliamentary capacities. Indeed, I consider it a great frustration that 4,000 local women born on or after 6 April 1951 – including my own mum – will not receive their fair share.
My support has included meeting WASPI members in Parliament, making representations to Ministers on residents’ behalves. I am happy to maintain this support throughout the long process ahead and remain available to local WASPI members for petitions and other suggestions. In my new position I am better placed to lobby colleagues.
I have been pleased to see that the campaign has attracted greater attention over the past few weeks, including at this week’s PMQs, therefore keeping the issue on the agenda. However, we should recognise that this is a national issue affecting women across the country.
That is why it is for local members of parliament to represent their local WASPI members and I am pleased by the response from a number of my colleagues. That is why last night’s motion at Medway Council was seeking to address a moot point. While it is indeed welcome to have local awareness Medway Council has no sway on such matters and is why the motion consequently failed.
Instead, I will be continuing my close work with colleagues to ensure petitions and representations are delivered promptly to ministers. I recently sent another letter to ministers seeking a further update and I will update WASPI once this is received.
Again, I am always happy to receive communication from anyone affected and do what I can to assist this important cause.