MPs supporting the cause for compensation (Women Against State Pension Inequality) have slammed the Government for its decision not to compensate the women. Conservative MP, Sir John Hayes, opened a debate in Westminster Hall about the issue today (January 15), saying the way the 1950s-born women had been treated was a "betrayal".

This generation of women were affected when their state pension age went up from 60 to 65 and to 66, with many claiming they were unaware of the change.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman said there was 'maladministration' in how the DWP communicated the change, recommending payouts of between £1,000 and £2,950.

But the Government said last month there would be no payouts, saying most of the women knew of the change and that issuing payments would be a poor use of taxpayers' money.

Labour MP John McDonnell spoke out at the debate urging for compensation. He was shadow Chancellor during the 2019 General Election, when Labour set out a manifesto pledge to create a "system of recompense" for the WASPI women.

He said: "Not to have that implemented has crushed people. It's crushed their confidence in the whole system."

He called on Labour ministers to act, saying: "I have to say to my own party in Government, what we need now is the Government to sit down with the WASPI women.

"Either implement this scheme or mediate for an alternative. We need action. This issue isn't going to go away, we're not going to go away. The women aren't going away. Tragically some of them are dying, but this campaign will go on until we secure justice."

Many MPs have come out in support of the campaign, with the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and the Green Party backing the cause.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart spoke of how thousands of WASPI women in Northern Ireland "feel absolutely betrayed by this Government".

She said: "Women today are in financial hardship because of this betrayal. It is morally indefensible that not a penny has been made available to these women."

Long-time WASPI supporter, Rebecca Long-Bailey, also urged for a reversal of the decision. She urged: "We must be clear. State level injustice is state level injustice.

"It can't be ignored. An apology alone is not sufficient, and we must see a remedy forthcoming to address the clear and apparent injustice these women have faced."

The WASPI campaign group will have a chance to set out their cause later this month at an evidence session for the Work and Pensions Committee.

Chair of the WASPI campaign, Angela Madden, said: "That will be an opportunity for us to talk to the committee about what are our options now, what we would like to happen now.

"The select committee is part of the Government process. They are the people who hold the Department of Work and Pensions to account. A letter from them or a request from them has to be taken seriously by the department." This session is taking place on Wednesday, January 22.