CAMPAIGNERS from Renfrewshire who are battling to convince the UK Government to provide compensation following changes to the state pension were out in force in Westminster last week.

Local members of the Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) initiative took part in a rally in London on International Women’s Day alongside fellow campaigners from across the UK.

Renfrewshire MPs Gavin Newlands and Mhairi Black, who have pledged their support to the cause, met with local campaigners during the protest.

The Gazette: WASPI Scotland members leaving Glasgow on the overnight bus to join the rallyWASPI Scotland members leaving Glasgow on the overnight bus to join the rally (Image: Reader submitted)

Two years ago, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) ruled the Department for Work and Pensions took too long to inform thousands of women born in the 1950s that the age they could draw their state pension was increasing.

Since then, PHSO has been investigating whether this maladministration resulted in injustice and, if so, how the women involved should be compensated.

The Gazette: Cheryl PraxCheryl Prax (Image: Cheryl Prax)

Wendy Millar, a member of Renfrewshire’s WASPI group, said: "Our WASPI Scotland members, who are now in their 60s and early 70s, arrived at Parliament Square in torrential rain and freezing temperatures. We didn't let the fact that we were soaked through dampen our spirits and made sure that we were heard in Parliament as the rally coincided with Prime Minister's Questions.

"We were delighted to see our Renfrewshire MPs Gavin Newlands and Mhairi Black who came out to meet us in Parliament Square amidst a sea of purple umbrellas.

The Gazette: Members of various pension groups from all over the UK coming together in Parliament SquareMembers of various pension groups from all over the UK coming together in Parliament Square (Image: Reader submitted)

"We also had the opportunity to join Scottish MPs at a meeting inside Westminster to discuss the campaign with the Scots contingent, including the SNP leader in the House Stephen Flynn, before a group of us returned to Glasgow on the overnight bus."

Fellow campaigner Elaine Loch added: "Demonstrating by the Millicent Fawcett statue, remembering suffragist campaigners who fought for fairness 100 years ago, and here we are still fighting to right an injustice.

"Good to see so many Scottish MPs out in the rain to join us."

The Gazette: Mhairi Black MP with Elaine Loch and Terri ConnollyMhairi Black MP with Elaine Loch and Terri Connolly (Image: Reader submitted)

Mr Newlands said he was "delighted" to join the WASPI campaigners during their demonstration.

He added: "The commitment the WASPI women have shown to overturning this mammoth injustice is simply awe-inspiring and shows the determination that is there to right this historic wrong."