A devoted Labour supporter expresses deep disappointment over pension issues affecting women born in the 1950s, vowing to never vote Labour again
Bridgend: A long-time Labour supporter is really upset with the party’s recent decision. She’s been backing Labour since she could talk, but now she feels betrayed.
On December 17, the UK Labour government announced they wouldn’t compensate around 3.6 million women who missed out on pension payments. These women, born in the 1950s, weren’t properly informed about the rise in the state pension age.
Despite a review suggesting compensation of up to £2,950 for each affected woman, the government decided against it. Labour leaders had previously supported the Waspi campaign, but now it feels like a slap in the face.
After facing criticism, Sir Keir Starmer admitted the delays in informing women were “unacceptable.” But he also said taxpayers can’t afford the compensation, which has left many feeling angry and unheard.
One woman from Bridgend, who’s 71 and has been a Labour supporter her whole life, shared her feelings in a heartfelt letter. She’s a proud Welsh woman and feels ashamed of the party’s actions.
She expressed her frustration, saying Labour has lost its way and is no longer the party of the working class. She feels like they’re taking from the poor and giving to the rich, which is the opposite of what Labour stands for.
She pointed out the broken promises and how the cost of living is skyrocketing. The NHS is struggling, and many people are suffering. It’s hard to believe she once voted for them.
After years of campaigning for justice, she was shocked to hear that the Waspi women wouldn’t receive any compensation. She feels like they were left in the dark about the pension age changes and that the government has turned its back on them.
She’s angry and disgusted with the MPs who once supported the Waspi women but now seem to have forgotten them. She wonders if the same would happen if it were men affected.
In her closing remarks, she vowed never to support Labour again and promised to keep fighting for justice. She believes that those in power can be voted out, and she’s determined to make her voice heard.
She ended her letter with a message to Keir Starmer, wishing him a Merry Christmas, but with a heavy heart knowing she can no longer stand by the party she once loved.