MPs to debate a petition relating to compensation for women affected by state pension changes

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 17 March)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter

Roz Savage MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

"Introduce a compensation scheme for WASPI women"

The petition, which currently has more than 159,000 signatures, states: "We call on the Government to fairly compensate WASPI women affected by the increases to their State Pension age and the associated failings in DWP communications."

In its response to the petition, provided on 9 December 2024, the Government said: "The Government is reviewing the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report and once this work has been undertaken, will be in a position to outline its approach."

Read the full response

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

Image: Parliamentary copyright