Sir Keir Starmer has definitively ruled out compensation payments for the three million women affected by the rise in the state pension age, known as WASPI women, as he prepares to step down as Prime Minister. The decision comes despite a Parliamentary Ombudsman report that recommended the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pay each affected woman £2,950 in compensation for perceived injustice.
No New Spending Commitments
At a No 10 lobby briefing on Tuesday, June 24, the Prime Minister's spokesperson confirmed that Starmer has agreed there will be “no new major policy or spending commitments” initiated during the transition period before he stands down. This effectively kills any remaining hope for WASPI compensation, which had been a long-standing demand from campaign groups.
The spokesperson stated: "The cabinet secretary [Antonia Romeo] has written to heads of departments to set out the principles of how the civil service should operate during this period. Keir Starmer remains prime minister, and so the business of government will continue as normal until he has recommended a successor to His Majesty the King."
Starmer's Previous Stance
Back in 2024, Starmer had already signalled his opposition to payouts, saying they would "burden the taxpayer." Now, as he resigns and steps away from Whitehall, he has reiterated that no new policy or spending commitments will be made. Starmer is widely anticipated to leave office next month, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham likely to replace him as Prime Minister.
Burnham is understood to have held secret talks with Sir Keir, as the prime minister pledged to smooth his transition to power. Starmer was said to have left Downing Street for an hour-long “off-site” meeting with Burnham – the first time the two men had spoken since Burnham returned to Westminster.
Impact on WASPI Women
The WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign has been demanding compensation for what they perceive as an injustice in the acceleration of the state pension age from 60 to 66 without adequate notice. The Ombudsman's report had suggested that the DWP should compensate women impacted to the tune of £2,950 each, but the Labour Party government has consistently ruled out payments.
In 2024, Starmer said he understood the concerns of the WASPI women but their demands were not affordable. With this latest announcement, the door to compensation has been firmly closed for the foreseeable future.
