Sir John has responded to the latest developments in the long-running campaign by Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), following the out-of-court settlement reached with the Government on 2 December 2025.
Under the agreement, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has committed to a full review of the decision on compensation, considering all relevant evidence afresh and reaching a conclusion within 12 weeks. Sir John said this makes the coming period critical for those affected, particularly women born in the 1950s who have already waited many years for clarity.
He noted that in November 2025 the Government had begun reconsidering its earlier position in light of evidence raised during legal proceedings, including concerns that a 2007 report had not been considered by the Secretary of State at the time. The current review will now assess all available evidence, including that report, and many campaigners hope it will lead to a fairer outcome.
Sir John described the situation as deeply disappointing, saying it was extraordinary that such a significant report had previously been overlooked, particularly given its reference in the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s findings. After six years of investigation, the Ombudsman concluded that maladministration had occurred and that this had caused injustice. He said it is now essential that a settled resolution is reached so that those affected finally know where they stand.
He also acknowledged the frustration felt by campaigners, particularly given that many Labour MPs and Ministers supported the WASPI campaign while in opposition but later decided against compensation in government.
While recognising the pressures on public finances, Sir John said the issue goes beyond cost and is fundamentally about fairness, process and trust in public institutions. Continuing uncertainty risks prolonging anxiety for those affected and undermining confidence in the role of the Parliamentary Ombudsman in holding the state to account.
He added that pensioners have already faced considerable uncertainty in recent months, including changes to winter fuel payments and subsequent reversals, and said it is entirely reasonable for WASPI campaigners to expect clarity, respect and a timely decision.
Sir John confirmed he will consider carefully how best to raise concerns with the Secretary of State during the review period and emphasised that the Government must now bring this long-running issue to a conclusion.