The SNP have been clear and consistent in our support for women born in the 1950s who have been short-changed by the Tory Government due to the accelerated timetable for increases in the women’s State Pension Age. SNP MPs have tirelessly campaigned to achieve fairness for these women and we will continue to do so.
The SNP previously submitted a fully funded proposal to help 1950s that was rejected by the UK Government. We believe the onus is now on the UK Government to remedy the injustices suffered by millions of women across the UK. The SNP’s pensions spokesperson, Amy Callaghan, has applied to secure a Westminster Hall debate on this matter.
Equalities legislation is largely reserved to Westminster and the Equality Act 2010 is an Act of the UK Parliament. Nevertheless, the SNP is using its devolved powers in Government to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. The Scottish Government is committed to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as stated in the 2019-20 Programme for Government.
I was pleased to see that the UK Government has finally agreed to nominate a UK CEDAW representative. I wholeheartedly support the campaign to ensure that a nomination is in place by the 6th March deadline.