Key facts
- Andy Burnham has reversed his earlier stance on providing a £10.5bn payout to Waspi women.
- Burnham's current position aligns with the government's refusal to compensate Waspi women.
- Burnham indicated openness to considering alternative compensation schemes, such as cut-price travel tickets.
- The Waspi campaign relates to women born in the 1950s who argue they were not adequately informed about state pension age increases.
- Labour MPs have criticized Burnham's shift in position.
Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election, has reversed his position on providing financial compensation to Waspi women, aligning with the government's stance. Burnham had previously indicated support for compensating women born in the 1950s who claim they lost out due to changes in the state pension age. However, following a backlash over the potential cost of a compensation scheme, his office clarified that while he accepts the final decision on financial compensation has been made, he is open to considering alternative benefits such as subsidised transport.
The government has stated it will not provide compensation, despite a ruling by the parliamentary and health service ombudsman in March 2024 recommending it. Campaigners argue many women did not receive adequate communication about the pension age increases, leading to financial hardship. Burnham's shift has drawn criticism from within the Labour party, with some MPs reportedly calling his earlier overtures 'pathetic', and his stance has been compared to that of Labour leader Keir Starmer.