News

1950s Women of Wales demand action: ‘We are not going away’

Published

1 year ago

May 22, 2025

Campaigners say Welsh Government must do more as pressure mounts on Pensions Minister to enter mediation over ‘historic injustice’

THE 1950s Women of Wales have renewed calls for justice over the state pension age scandal, vowing they “are not going away” until the UK Government addresses what they say is a historic financial injustice that has devastated the lives of thousands of Welsh women.

In a strongly worded statement released this week, the campaign group—representing women from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and across Wales—warned that if the UK Government continues to ignore them, they will pursue mediation through Civil Procedure Rule 2024.

Organiser Jackie Gilderdale questioned whether Labour’s Pensions Minister, Liz Kendall MP, is “afraid of the law”, adding: “What happened to Labour’s debt of honour? We will not go away until this has been resolved.”

The group has the support of Plaid Cymru, who have called for immediate compensation. Speaking in the Senedd earlier this month, Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell said: “Women born in the 1950s were denied their state pensions at the time they needed that support. Many women have died without receiving the money. It is a bitter injustice and they deserve redress.”

Jewell called for formal mediation between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and campaigners, as well as a full public inquiry similar to that recently granted to sub-postmasters.

However, the newly appointed Counsel General, Julie James MS, appeared to dismiss the calls, arguing the courts had ruled the DWP’s actions lawful. The 1950s Women of Wales were stunned by the response.

In a rebuttal, the group pointed out that the High Court and Court of Appeal did not endorse the DWP’s decisions, but merely found the legal challenges out of time. “The most affected stakeholders—1950s women—were never consulted. No impact assessment was carried out. That’s a breach of their rights under the Equality Act 2010 and the European Convention on Human Rights,” the group said.

The women also accuse Labour of misleading Parliament, citing evidence presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on February 10, 2025, showing that claims by Liz Kendall, Rachel Reeves, and Keir Starmer about the level of awareness among 1950s-born women were based on a survey of just 40 people. “Parliament was misled,” the group claims.

The group says it is unacceptable that Liz Kendall continues to ignore repeated invitations to meet with them and engage in good-faith mediation. “We are demanding a Temporary Special Measure—an Erskine May-proof mechanism—to deliver financial compensation swiftly,” they said. Their proposal includes:

An initial lump sum and additional payments over five years
No tax on compensation
Benefits unaffected
Free NHS dental, optician, and prescription services
Named beneficiaries to inherit unpaid compensation in the event of death

On May 14, Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey MP met with Kendall and urged her to find a resolution. While the Pensions Minister reiterated that the government’s position on redress “had not changed”, she said work was ongoing to “learn lessons” and improve future communication.

But campaigners say the time for reflection is over. “It is clear that the APPG believes the incoming Ombudsman is likely to reject the government’s current stance. Rather than wait for another defeat, ministers should come to the table now,” the statement reads.

Susan Suter, one of the women attending the Senedd debate, said her experience is typical of thousands. “I had no notice—no letter—just a colleague telling me my pension age had changed. I’ve worked all my life, paid national insurance all my life. I never thought I’d still be fighting for equality and my pension in my seventies.”

Suter added: “Smoke screens are being used to prevent justice. I support the call for mediation. It is the only just and right way forward.”

The group is now calling on the Welsh Government to act on behalf of Welsh women and use its voice to pressure the UK Government into honouring legal and moral responsibilities under domestic and international law.

“Whether devolved or not,” they concluded, “our Government has a duty to protect our rights and demand accountability. We will not be silenced.”

Photo caption:
Campaigning continues: The 1950s Women of Wales protest outside the Senedd earlier this month (Pic: Supplied)

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

14 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

20 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

60 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.