When they wanted your votes, Portsmouth's Labour MPs were happy to have their photo taken with WASPI women.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan even called compensation 'crucial', saying “it is not fair that women in Portsmouth and across our country had the goalposts changed without their knowledge, and I believe it is only right that they be compensated”.
But with his seat in Westminster secured, Stephen Morgan was happy to turn his back on more than 9,000 women in our city - abandoning them just as he got the power to act.
With Labour in government, WASPI women thought they would finally get a voice in Downing Street - but Labour's promised change never came.
In March 2024, Amanda Martin tweeted “Best of luck to the WASPI women today. Although the delays have meant it will never give justice too those women no longer with us. I hope you are compensated for the appalling way you have been treated.” — Just months before Keir Starmer refused to consider compensation as directed by the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Just five years ago Stephen Morgan was ready to sign a £57 billion cheque to WASPI women, putting right the failures of previous governments. Now he agrees with Starmer; WASPI women aren't worth the money.
Under Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, Stephen Morgan signed up to Labour's pledge to compensate 3.8 million women who were unfairly affected. With Keir Starmer in Number 10, Labour's policy has changed - now WASPI women have been told that the government won't put right a mistake they've admitted to.
Labour's betrayal of WASPI women was just one of Keir Starmer's key manifesto pledges dropped in return for power.
The Independent counted at least nine promises made by Labour candidates as they campaiged for your votes last year which they've turned their backs on. From Winter Fuel Allowance cuts to a tax on employment, and scrapping their much-needed multi-billion pound investment in the green economy to refusing to lift thousands of children out of poverty by scrapping the unfair two child cap on benefits, Stephen Morgan, Amanda Martin and Keir Starmer have shown they just don't care about delivering the change we need.
But the Lib Dems will always stand up for people. Portsmouth Lib Dems have pushed forward by getting Portsmouth City Council to agree to Cllr Kimberly Barrett's motion calling for the city's MPs and the Secretary of State to reconsider their party's stance on provided compensation to women affected by changes in their pension age, while Lib Dems in Parliament are continuing to speak up for WASPI women.
Add your name to our call for the government to support the WASPI women
Despite repeatedly promising 1950s women to give them the compensation suggested by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Keir Starmer's Labour government are now turning away from that promise. If you think it's time for Labour to do the right thing add your name to our campaign.
These women were judged to be the victims of a gross injustice but instead of righting this wrong, Conservative and Labour MPs decided to sit on their hands. The Liberal Democrats will ensure that this fight does not end here. We will use everything in our power to make the Government see sense and reverse this callous decision.
Daisy Cooper MP, Lib Dem Treasury spokesperson