Harrogate and Knaresborough MP: Labour Government must honour its promises and deliver justice for WASPI women

Tom Gordon MP has slammed the Labour Government for betraying a generation of women who were victims of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maladministration. During a debate in Parliament today, the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP renewed his call for fair compensation for WASPI women – many of whom have been left out of pocket and overlooked for too long.

Last year, the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concluded that the DWP was guilty of maladministration and recommended that affected women receive compensation. Yet in December, the Labour Government shamefully voted against delivering justice – despite backing WASPI women and pledging support while in opposition.

Tom Gordon MP, who has consistently stood with the WASPI campaign, demanded that ministers stop hiding behind excuses and honour the promises made before they took office.

Speaking in the debate, Tom said:

“This is a question of trust – trust in our politicians, in Parliament, and in institutions like the ombudsman. The Labour Party made a commitment to WASPI women before the election. Now in government, they have turned their backs. That’s not just a political u-turn – it’s a moral failure.”

After the debate, Tom Gordon said:

“The Government’s refusal to compensate WASPI women is indefensible. The ombudsman was clear: maladministration occurred, and justice requires financial redress. It is unacceptable that, having acknowledged this while in opposition, Labour are now refusing to act when they have the power to deliver justice.

“Thousands of women in Harrogate and Knaresborough, and millions more across the country, have been impacted – and many are still waiting for a fair resolution. They were promised support. Instead, they’ve been fobbed off by a government that campaigned on compassion but now governs with cold indifference.

“Politicians of all parties made commitments. Those in government must now be held to account for breaking them. We urgently need a vote on accepting the Ombudsman’s report in the House of Commons to put MPs on record. Enough delay – it’s time for action, and it’s time for justice.”

ENDS