'Betrayal': Humza Yousaf pans Labour over Waspi women compensation U-turn

HUMZA Yousaf has accused Labour of a “betrayal” after the party’s chair refused to say that the “Waspi women” who lost out amid changes to the state pension age are owed compensation.

It comes after a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) that found changes to the state pension age were not communicated adequately and those affected should receive an apology and compensation.

Appearing on the BBC on Sunday, Labour MP Anneliese Dodds U-turned when confronted with her own 2019 pledge to compensate the women.

Instead, Dodds would only say that the Waspi (women against state pension inequality) women deserved “respect”.

Appearing on the same show, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also refused to commit to compensating the women who lost out.

Responding on social media, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn pointed out the similarity between the two main UK parties, tweeting “Tory [handshake emoji] Labour”.

The First Minister hit out at Dodds, writing: “Pathetic from Labour. A betrayal of Waspi women.

“Labour promised justice for Waspi women, now if they end up in Government they will turn their back on the very same women.

“The SNP will hold Westminster’s feet to the fire and demand justice, regardless of who is in No 10.”

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Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray added: “I remember being in Westminster when Labour joined @theSNP and made big play for justice for #WaspiWomen.

“Now only SNP stands by them.

“The economic changes Labour speaks of haven’t impacted their view of bankers bonuses, so why female pensioners who have suffered a gross injustice?”

The official Waspi campaign also hit out at Dodds, writing on social media: "The best way to show respect to Waspi women is to act quickly to ensure they get compensation for the injustice @PHSOmbudsman has clearly found.

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"We will not accept less."

On Friday, the National revealed that Scottish Labour had been told not to support calls for compensation – despite previously campaigning on the issue.

Campaigners have demanded action over the ombudsman report, warning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be on a “sticky wicket” seeking votes from Waspi women when he goes to the country later this year if he fails to heed the findings.

But amid straitened public finances, politicians on both sides have shied away from commitments to payouts, and neither Labour nor the Tories having issued a formal response to Thursday’s report.

The PHSO suggested compensation could cost between £3.5 billion and £10.5bn, although campaigners are pushing for a higher figure.