Keir Starmer's refusal to compensate 3.8m Waspi women will affect more than 100,000 of his Cabinet's constituents, damning figures reveal

Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to compensate women hit by increases in the state pension age will affect more than 100,000 of his Cabinet’s constituents, new figures show. A handout photograph, released by the UK Parliament, shows Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons in central London, on December 18, 2024 Waspi campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament The PM said taxpayers could not afford the £10.5 billion compensation package for the ‘Waspi’ women. Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott told Newsnight that the Prime Minister has ‘no feel for politics’ and accused him of not understanding how Waspi women feel. I think where there is justified frustration is in the blanket no compensation position.’ Angela Rayner seen with WASPI women in June 2019 File photo dated 31/10/2024 of WASPI campaigners stage a protest outside the Houses of Parliament, London Rachel Reeves seen alongside WASPI campaigners in 2020 Newly elected Labour MP Brian Leishman said the Government ‘really should deliver’ on the compensation, telling Sky he was ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’ by the decision. WASPI women deserve better than the cold shoulder.’ Conservative backbencher Sir John Hayes told MPs yesterday that it was ‘essential’ that the Government give MPs a debate to not compensate Waspi pensioners.