A blistering row surrounding Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) broke out on GB News as Kelvin MacKenzie raged they ‘shouldn’t be paid a penny’.
The former Sun editor accused some women of ‘making up’ their woes after a Parliamentary ombudsman called for them to be compensated.
He was slapped down by Michelle Dewberry and Staffordshire University Tom Bewick in a fiery discussion.
“We shouldn’t give them a penny”, he said.
Kelvin MacKenzie made the controversial comment on GB News
GB NEWS
“We should say how sorry we are that they failed to understand that in 1995, the Government said at the time that in 15 years, we will equalise pensions, completely appropriately.
“These women failed to follow this. It’s their responsibility.
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“I wouldn’t pay them a penny. They aren’t entitled to it.
“The fact they didn’t use their eyes and ears to protect their future is an issue for them.
“Thank you and goodnight.”
Michelle Dewberry argued people will “not be spending their time randomly listening out for pension announcements”.
Campaign groups such as WASPI have formed over the way state pension age changes for women were brought in GETTY
Kelvin MacKenzie believes WASPI women should not be compensated
GB NEWS
The GB News presenter went on to add that communications were ‘lacking’ at the time.
Bewick waded in on the discussion to say he ‘couldn’t disagree more’ with MacKenzie’s point.
“Let’s be clear, there’s two communications points”, he said.
“The 1995 Communications Act signalled that this Equality law would come in.
“There are 3 million WASPi women affected. What’s important today is there has been an injustice.
“The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) are digging in on this.
“I agree with Kelvin that we can’t afford the backdated payments.”
Rishi Sunak has been urged to “do the right thing” and set aside billions in compensation for women whose lives were “ruined” when they were not told in good enough time about the rise in the state pension age.
The direct plea to the Prime Minister followed a report which concluded that those affected by state pension changes that were not communicated adequately should receive an apology and payouts.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has asked Parliament to intervene and “act swiftly” to make sure a compensation scheme is established.