Happy New Year

As this is my first Gazette column of 2016, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone reading, and all the people of Renfrewshire, a very Happy New Year. It was great to spend some quality time at home with my family during the recess, and I hope you all had the same chance over the festive period.

WASPI Debate

Despite having a great time over recess it was very exciting to get back to Westminster last week and lead the debate on the Effect of the Equalisation of the State Pension Age on Women.

I was honoured to be able to secure this debate on an issue which has affected thousands of women born in the 1950’s and is truly a scandal. It was also great to finally win a vote in Westminster as the motion passed with 158 Ayes, and 0 Nos.

Despite the motion passing it is, unfortunately, not binding against the government. Given the statement from the Pensions Minister at the end of the debate, and the fact that the Prime Minister said, unbelievably, that “these women had received a very good settlement”, it seems clear the government is unlikely to act.

However, it is clear the government has to act. The government must set up an Independent Commission to investigate all recent pensions reforms and the affects they are having on ordinary people.

The work done by the women in the WASPI campaign is inspiring, and they have now managed to secure an additional debate on the issue after gathering nearly 125,000 signatures. The debate will take place on the first of February, and I look forward to bringing the case of these women to Westminster once again.

WASPI is one of the best campaigns I have worked with so far in Parliament, however they only cover a small portion of the pensions issues that have arisen over recent years. There are additional issues affecting women’s pensions, and Pensions Freedoms are another reform that require close monitoring.

An Independent Commission is the best may forward to keep these issues in check, and to ensure the best and fairest result for everyone involved.

Opportunities to help in 2016

Action On Hearing Loss are looking for volunteers to take part in a new project supporting those who are deaf, or have hearing loss, get online. The project, named Online Today, aims to train people on how to get the best use out of their tablets, smartphones and eReaders. All volunteers will receive training to run sessions in community venues.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help people in our local community, and will be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. If you would like to take part, register your interest by emailing Michael.woodburn@hearlingloss.org.uk.