Tess White
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“It is scandalous that the Scottish National Party Government has spent millions of pounds funding self-identification groups while shutting sex-based women’s organisations out of public funding.”
“To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the social justice secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the protection of people’s human rights in relation to new renewable energy infrastructure, including the proposed SSEN Transmission 400kV overhead power line in the North East Scotland region. (S6O-05604)”
“Does the First Minister agree with his Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy’s comment that, if people do not want pylons, battery storage or other destructive infrastructure in rural Scotland, they are on the far right? If he does not agree with her, will he apologise for her disgraceful remark?”
“Siobhian Brown: We have heard the consensus, and this is an issue that needs to be addressed in the next parliamentary session. A commission that can examine and consider the many issues that have been aired today and act quickly in the next session is the way forward ahead of legislation that the Parliament can scrutinise and amend, know…”
“Liam Kerr and Pam Gosal gave example after example of when time was made available at the beginning of the day or at the end. I am not allowed to say that the Scottish Government was lying, but it was a misrepresentation of the truth. I thank Ruth Maguire for her intervention on Maggie Chapman, because we were cringing at her speech.”
“I am clear that we cannot dismiss the comments from women involved in prostitution who are “terrified” of the proposals. That should make us all pause. Ahead of today’s debate, members received many briefings that highlight the risks, but I appreciate that opinion is divided on the issue.”
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“Those projects are crucial to supporting our commitment to a just transition and will continue to affirm Scotland’s position as a world leader in the energy sector. Although the deployment of renewable generation is important, its intermittent nature means that development of storage capacity is essential for ensuring the security and flexibility of our energy system. Scotland has a significant pipeline of pumped storage hydro projects, equating to 6.9GW of storage capacity, which offers a significant investment potential that will bring huge economic benefits to Scotland. In my answer to Fergus Ewing, I mentioned what other countries have done in that regard.”
“As of 24 September, we had approximately 10.2GW of operational onshore wind capacity in Scotland, and we are working hard to ensure that new developments maximise value for communities through the onshore wind sector deal, which includes commitments for actions by both the Government and industry that will secure benefits for Scotland’s economy, communities and natural environment. To complement our work on deployment of onshore wind, we are pressing forward with our ambitious offshore wind targets, which will ensure that Scotland is fuel secure well into the future, and will provide good-quality jobs in energy for the long term. We have an estimated pipeline of more than 40GW of Scottish offshore wind capacity, on top of the 3GW that are already operational.”
“Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Gillian Martin: I have taken too many interventions as it is. Scotland already has an enviable track record in renewable generation, including onshore and offshore wind, solar and tidal. I echo what the First Minister said in his speech on climate action at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, last month: “Scotland’s greatest contribution to the global climate challenge is our renewable energy potential, our technical expertise and our capacity for innovation.” Scotland proudly leads the way across the UK in onshore wind deployment.”
“Even worse than that, after the session, several members of the committee warned me not to ask similar questions in the future. Presiding Officer, is it ever legitimate for MSPs to be pressured not to ask valid questions of this Government?”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I would like to raise a point of order under rule 6.2(f) of the standing orders of this Parliament. Today, I tried to ask a question about reports that the former SNP MP Alison Thewliss had been hired by Rape Crisis Scotland—a body that is, of course, funded by the Scottish Government. Two years ago, Alison Thewliss was photographed at a protest near a sign that read “Decapitate TERFs”. Women deserve to know whether she has been hired by a Rape Crisis charity that is funded largely by the Scottish Government. However, not only was I interrupted by the committee convener, but other members of the committee were seen gesturing to the technicians to cut off the live feed of the committee session.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer: We are still in decision time at the moment. Tess White: I will wait until after decision time. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms White. The next question is, that motion S6M-16578, in the name of Alasdair Allan, on the Great British Energy Bill, which is United Kingdom legislation, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its role in ensuring that public bodies are meeting their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, following recent correspondence from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. (S6T-02370)”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I could not vote. I would have voted no. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms White. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“Sandie Peggie, who has been a national health service nurse for 30 years, spoke up for her sex- based rights in her workplace because she did not want to share a changing facility with a biological male. However, in doing so, she is being treated as the perpetrator, not the victim. I know that the Presiding Officer considers this case to be sub judice. Nothing I say here today will prejudice any live proceedings, because at the heart of this case are the policies of the Scottish National Party Government. Presiding Officer, we need a ministerial statement on public sector workers and single-sex spaces. I am grateful to the Minister for Parliamentary Business for being open, despite the late notice, to considering that request.”
“I move amendment S6M-16252.1, to leave out from “there is a continuing crisis” to end and insert: “current high wait times mean that too many are waiting too long for treatment; thanks hardworking NHS and social care staff who provide extraordinary care across the country; recognises that there are crises facing too many parts of the NHS; notes investment of over £11 billion in the NHS workforce and an estimated £950 million to ensure that adult social care workers, including those in the third and private sectors, are paid at least the real Living Wage; recognises that the biggest threat to the health and social care workforce comes from the UK Government’s decision to increase employer national insurance contributions, and demands that the UK Labour administration reimburse the Scottish Government in full; supports the calls for the publication of a medium-term approach to health and social care reform, including workforce planning, before the Parliament’s 2025 summer recess, and believes that the aim of the medium-term reforms must be to ensure that everyone can access the treatment and care that they require, in the right place, at the right time.” The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Sandesh Gulhane to speak to and move amendment S6M- 16252.2.”
“Although I am the first to recognise that the system is not without its challenges, their efforts continue to make a real difference to the lives of people across Scotland every day, and this Government will continue to do everything that it can do to support them.”
“The joint social services task force has also taken forward important work to present a range of opportunities to improve the experiences of our valued social care, social work and allied health professional staff. Those are great examples of the practical steps that we are taking to support the workforce of today and tomorrow. The immediate steps that I have outlined are critically important as we seek to improve the experience of staff who work daily in our hospitals and communities. They form part of a comprehensive package that will allow us to deal more effectively with the immediate challenges that the system faces and, at the same time, support staff to respond to future demands. In closing, I reiterate my heartfelt thanks to health and social care staff across the system for all that they do.”
“Growth in the workforce alone cannot be the solution to the challenges ahead: we must also take account of emerging opportunities in order to enhance workforce productivity and wellbeing, including reducing workload through use of new technology and artificial intelligence, and enhancing the quality of care for patients across the country by using staff expertise in different ways. That is why, last year, we published “Improving Wellbeing and Working Cultures”, which sets out our ambition to enhance working cultures across the system, and why we continue to support national wellbeing, leadership and equalities interventions. That approach, and the support that is offered, have been and will continue to be shaped by the voices and lived experiences of our staff.”
“We have published a GP recruitment and retention plan, which includes new actions that will support the attraction and retention of GPs, including work on expanding fellowships and flexible retention schemes. In the coming weeks, we are due to publish the nursing and midwifery task force report, which is also focused on recruitment and retention. Finally, through continuation of work on the national care service, we will continue to support improvement and innovation across the system via the establishment of an advisory board, which will have a clear focus on national and local workforce planning, high-quality learning, and development and leadership support for social care staff.”
“Our budget will also enable the number of domestic intakes to university dental courses to increase by 7 per cent, which will ensure that we build a strong workforce pipeline in the medium and longer terms. Since 2021, we have increased the number of medical undergraduate places by 300, while also offering alternative routes to medicine as a career and doing more to support a pipeline of doctors for our remote and island communities. Retaining and recruiting GPs is vital, and we remain committed to increasing their number. There are currently over 5,000 GPs in Scotland, the number of which we have increased by 307 since 2017. There are just over 1,200 GPs in training in Scotland, which is extremely encouraging.”
“Our workforce planning will continue to evolve to account for the shift that is required in the shape and size of the workforce. Part of that will be consideration of the skills mix that is needed to deliver the service improvements and reforms that have been mentioned. We will set out more detail as part of our medium-term approach to health and social care renewal, which we are committed to publishing before the summer recess. Some required changes are already taking place, including in pharmacy education, in which, from 2026, all graduates will be independent- prescriber trained at the point of registration. That, coupled with our planned expansion of the pharmacy first service, presents a new opportunity for patients to benefit from that expertise and for GPs to be freed up to focus on the care that only they can provide.”
“Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Neil Gray: I need to make some progress. We will never shy away from the challenges that are facing our NHS and social care services. We will act quickly to deliver much-needed change and we are starting from strong foundations. The Scottish Government has overseen a 26.6 per cent increase in NHS staffing, including 12 consecutive years of workforce growth, which contradicts the false assertion that is made in Labour’s motion regarding graduates. Jackie Baillie: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Neil Gray: I will make some progress, then come back to Ms Baillie. We have planned for and driven workforce growth through investment in training our workforce of the future, with an increase in funded undergraduate places for health and social care professions.”
“Another storm has wreaked havoc across our energy networks. With wind speeds of 90mph, conditions were far too treacherous for engineers to carry out vital repairs. The same thing happened after storms Arwen, Babet and others. The cabinet secretary spoke in her statement about power cables overturning. Does she agree that such costly and dangerous disruption to the power supply bolsters the need for transmission lines to go offshore or run underground? Angela Constance: Tess White’s question is probably one for another day. She will appreciate that, as the cabinet secretary for home affairs and with responsibility for resilience, I have a portfolio interest in the emergency response. There are always broader issues to debate about how we can improve our overall resilience.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app did not work. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms White. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“Communities must be at the heart of the electricity consenting process, but, just last night, SSEN failed to show at Stonehaven community council’s opening meeting on the plans. That is disgraceful. Once our landscape is punctured by pylons, it cannot be restored. It has been left to the Scottish Conservatives to bring this debate to the chamber. The Scottish Conservatives would ensure that the right to a public inquiry was enshrined in the consenting process, and I urge my SNP and Labour colleagues to do the same. Urgent Question 17:10 Neil Gray (Ministerial Code)”
“Sadly, SSEN’s engagement with affected residents has been dreadful. The public must be given meaningful opportunities to influence the proposals. They cannot be bulldozed through by transmission operators, which is what people feel is happening now. This issue is not just about a route on a map or targets to achieve; it is about people and the place that they call home. Scrutiny, transparency and public participation should not be seen as tick-box exercises or obstacles to overcome. They are fundamental to the democratic decision-making process, and so, too, is the right to a public inquiry. In 2023, the SNP MP Alan Brown tried to remove the right of local planning authorities to have a public inquiry in such situations. Now, the UK Labour Government is trying to muzzle the voices of communities by stifling public inquiries.”
“As my colleague Graham Simpson said, we know what we need to do to decarbonise our electricity system—we can all agree on that. I say to Michael Marra and Labour that we and our communities do not believe what he and Ed Miliband say. They might be speaking for the cities, but they are not speaking for rural communities. Michael Marra: Will the member take an intervention? Tess White: I am sorry; I do not have time. Stephen Kerr said that he did not want our land to be turned into a wirescape. He said that Governments should be “the servant and not the master.” There is nothing just or fair about the proposed transition. The Scottish Government’s pre-application guidance for transmission operators is inadequate and outdated. It fails to capture the complexities of transmission developments and the volume of projects.”
“[Interruption.] I know that SNP members are not really interested in this, because they are talking over me, but my constituents are. I was recently shocked to learn that one local farmer’s firearms had been removed for his own safety, and I understand that some farmers have been threatened with compulsory purchase orders. I have been told that SSEN has not even considered how the height of the overhead lines relates to the use of farming machinery. Farmers will have to mitigate their operations along the pylon pathway. What will that mean for food security, forestry and countryside management? All of that is an extremely high price to pay for the energy transition, especially when it is the north-east that will bear the brunt of it.”
“As Douglas Lumsden said, the devolved Scottish Government, instead of looking for solutions that empower, has chosen, once again, to ride roughshod over rural communities. Affected residents are understandably worried about the value of their homes, disruption to their businesses and the local economy, and the loss of prime agricultural land. What will happen to people—of whom there are many—such as the family who live next to Fetteresso, who will have three pylons within spitting distance of their home, when they have to remortgage and they face negative equity? Like many people, they also have concerns about the health implications of the infrastructure, which have not been explored or allayed. The mental health and overall wellbeing of affected residents have suffered.”
“Tess White: I have attended town-hall meetings on the plans; met with constituents and campaign groups, including the save our Mearns group, Angus Pylon Action Group, the Turriff against pylons group and Deeside Against Pylons; supported a petition to Parliament on the deeply flawed consultation process; engaged with SSEN, Ofgem and the Scottish Government; and led a parliamentary debate in May last year. The projects’ location, scale and accelerated timeframe are a massive source of concern for communities. The wrong kit is being put in the wrong place, but the public have not been given the opportunity to provide feedback on alternative options, such as offshoring or undergrounding.”
“Communities across Angus and Aberdeenshire have been blindsided by SSEN’s plans to industrialise our countryside. As Douglas Lumsden said, for the past two years, constituent correspondence on new energy infrastructure in the north-east has flooded our inboxes. No other issue—not a single issue—has come close. The First Minister said that he was sure that ministers would be happy to meet with campaigners, but where is Gillian Martin? She is missing in action for constituents. She has met SSEN, but she has not met her constituents and campaign groups. We need more than lip service from Mairi Gougeon, who is the constituency MSP for many of the affected areas. Where is she today? She is missing in action. Members: She is ill! The Presiding Officer: Let us hear Ms White.”
“I will be pleased to send a draft of the letter to the Opposition spokespeople after decision time tonight, asking for their parties to support the Government on the issue. We need to move forward and take as much action as we can on the issue. The ombudsman has had her say and the UK Government must now act. It is time to do the right thing and compensate the WASPI women without delay. Business Motion”
“That does not happen very often on a policy matter in the Scottish Parliament. It will be a good thing if we get to that position at decision time. As I mentioned in a comment to Monica Lennon, a letter will be sent to the UK Government following the vote tonight, and I invite all parties to sign up to it. Let us truly speak with one voice. This Government will not walk away after we have pressed our buttons at decision time and said once again that we are absolutely devastated and disappointed by the UK Government. We will not just walk away and move on to the next issue. The letter is another step and another opportunity for all of us to come together to support our WASPI women.”
“It is not often— in fact, I think that this is unique in my time in Government—that I have spent so much time in a speech talking about Douglas Ross and I being in agreement. However, he was quite right to point out the difficulties with Michael Marra’s reply. I know how SNP MPs will vote on the matter and I know how Liberal Democrat MPs will vote on it. Beatrice Wishart was quite right to point out the work that they have done to seek a vote on the matter down at Westminster. I still do not know how Scottish Labour MPs, who were so quick to stand beside the WASPI women just last year, before the election campaign, will vote. However, the public will not forget the decisions that they make. Regardless of that point, because time will tell on that, we have the opportunity to speak with one voice tonight.”
“Beatrice Wishart was right to point to the many Labour MSPs who spoke in last week’s debate and today who hold a principled stance. I pay tribute to them, because it is not easy to do that, particularly when they have long fought for a Labour Government to come in at Westminster and they have had to listen to a secretary of state and a Prime Minister from their own party making the contributions that they have made. I pay tribute to Monica Lennon, Carol Mochan, Katy Clark and others for the principled stand that they have taken over many years and will continue to take. I give them credit once again for their contributions today. It appears, from what has been said, that Scottish Labour will vote for the Government’s motion, and I welcome that. Douglas Ross and I both challenged Michael Marra on how Labour MPs would vote on such a motion.”
“For goodness’ sake—the last thing that the WASPI women need is for more time to be wasted on more reports. In the debate, many members talked about what the situation has meant for the women. I and others spoke about the hundreds of thousands of women who have been affected, and we are quite right to talk about the scale of the problem. However, we must never forget that every single one of them has a devastating story to tell, and they and their families must be heard. The UK Government must act, and the ombudsman has laid out how it can do that. Maggie Chapman and others rightly pointed out that the women’s hopes were dashed when the new Labour Government came in and nothing changed. In fact, the situation got a whole lot worse.”
“Many members have mentioned the importance of the Parliament speaking with one voice. It is clear that there are variations in the detriment caused by maladministration. We are seeking to recognise that and the fact that a system could be put in place to do so. Does the cabinet secretary not agree? Shirley-Anne Somerville: The member makes a fair point, but Kevin Stewart pointed out that the very first report on the issue came out in 2004. WASPI women do not have the time to figure out another way. The ombudsman has looked at the issue for years. People may have different views on the subject, and they may have alternatives. The Scottish Government certainly has an alternative, because it does not believe that the ombudsman has gone far enough.”
“That is why I have a problem with today’s Labour amendment. I have already said that WASPI women do not have the time to wait for the best way for them to receive compensation to be figured out. I have spoken about the tone of the secretary of state’s statement, which shows that the door has been firmly closed, and about the fact that an apology, although welcome, is not enough. I am afraid that today’s Labour amendment gives the UK Government an opportunity to deflect, to delay, to dither and to disappoint, and that is not enough. WASPI women deserve better than deflection, but I am afraid that that is what today’s amendment from Scottish Labour actually offers. Paul O’Kane: That is certainly not the intention of my amendment, which I lodged in good faith. I like to find consensus, which I think is important.”
“She went on to say that the Government had not “taken this decision lightly, but we believe it is the right decision because the great majority of women knew the state pension age was increasing, because sending letters earlier would not have made a difference for most, and because the proposed compensation scheme is not fair or value for taxpayers’ money.”—[Official Report, House of Commons, 17 December 2024; Vol 759, c 169.] The UK Government is casting doubt on the basis of the ombudsman’s report and on the basis of the WASPI women’s campaign. That is why I am sorry that, despite the fact that many Scottish Labour members wish that it was not true, the UK Government has utterly closed the door on compensation for WASPI women. I am afraid that Scottish Labour members who think anything different are kidding themselves.”
“Most importantly, it does a disservice to the WASPI women. Douglas Ross made another point that he was right to make and that has not regularly been brought up, which was about the tone of the statement by the secretary of state. I was astonished when I first read that statement, because the secretary of state said that she had ruled out all the options presented by the ombudsman.”
“I respectfully say to them that the WASPI women do not have the luxury of having time to wait. They do not need another review; they need action. They deserve and are entitled to action. We simply cannot kick the issue into the long grass any more. Douglas Ross made a number of important points in his speech. He spoke about the role of the ombudsman, which was an exceptionally important point to make, because Governments ignore recommendations by ombudsmen at their peril. Many members, including Jeremy Balfour, George Adam and Douglas Ross, spoke about trust and said that trust in our institutions and politicians is important. So it is, and it is further diminished if a Government ignores recommendations from an ombudsman in the way that we have seen. That does a disservice to all of us.”
“Paul O’Kane said that the UK Government has offered an apology. Many Labour members pointed to that and were right to do so, just as the UK Government was right to make that apology. Paul O’Kane was also right to say that it is good that ministers have said that mistakes will not happen in the future. However, neither of those points helps the WASPI women one little bit. Labour members have also pointed to the financial mess that Labour was left. Once again, that is a perfectly reasonable point to make, but it is not the fault of the WASPI women either. Although context is important, justice is also important, and delivering justice is the most important issue that we have spoken about today. Labour members have said that there will be some action and that they support having something happen.”
“16:48 Shirley-Anne Somerville: In 2019, Keir Starmer called for an end to “the real injustice” that was faced by WASPI women. What a disappointment it is to all of us who have been involved in the campaign, but to the WASPI women in particular, when the most recent quotes from Keir Starmer have gone along the lines of: “I am afraid to say that the taxpayer simply cannot afford the tens of billions of pounds in compensation when the evidence shows that 90% of those impacted knew about the changes. That is because of the state of our economy.”—[Official Report, House of Commons, 18 December 2024; Vol 759, c 308.] So, the fault somehow lies with the WASPI women as well as with the Tories. During this debate, we have heard attempts by Labour to challenge the mere premise of what has happened to WASPI women.”
“That delay appears no longer to be in place, but when members want to request an intervention, I encourage them to go old school and make a request to intervene as well as press the button. Christine Grahame: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I take your word, but I pressed the intervention button and a delayed request to speak came up instead. This is not an age matter. The Deputy Presiding Officer: In denying that it was a point of order, I never for a moment suggested that it was an age matter, Ms Grahame. The issue appears to be resolved, but those who wish to make an intervention—we have a bit of time in hand, as I say—should seek to make that known in the customary fashion. I call the cabinet secretary for a generous 10 minutes.”
“My Scottish Labour colleagues can shake their heads and try to spin their way out of this, but Labour does not have pensioners’ or women’s best interests at heart. Paul O’Kane: Will the member give way? Tess White: I am closing. From farmers to pensioners, businesses and WASPI women, Labour’s mask has well and truly slipped. It has played politics with serious policy decisions and has left good and decent people to pick up the pieces. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Before I call the cabinet secretary to close the debate, and with apologies to Christine Grahame, I note that there did appear to be an issue with a delay to requests to intervene coming through. The lights were working but there was a delay.”
“It is right that we are careful with the public purse, but the cack-handed way that Keir Starmer’s Government has approached the question of compensation for WASPI women is not just a disappointment, Mr O’Kane—it is an absolute outrage. To give false hope and to lead women up the garden path is just not right. The party claiming to stand for fairness and justice has not only turned its back on millions of women but has started pointing the finger at them. Let us not forget that Labour supported the SNP’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, with little regard for the rights of women and girls. Let us not forget Labour’s cut to the winter fuel payment, impacting millions of pensioners across the UK and putting lives at risk during the winter months.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Tess White, I can give you time back for those interventions. Tess White: Thank you. There were multiple investigations, but what we are talking about in the debate is the betrayal of promises and the ombudsman’s recommendations. The PHSO’s final report—Labour colleagues might need to look at it, because that is what we are talking about—was published in March 2024. Keir Starmer and his team knew about the ombudsman’s findings and the recommendation for compensation long before Liz Kendall’s dispassionate announcement in December. At its heart, the issue is about honesty, transparency and trust. It is about the pledges that politicians make and the promises that they must fulfil. That is not always easy for policy makers.”
“I advise the chamber that it appears that requests for interventions are working, but there is a delay, so patience is, again, a virtue. We are looking into it. Paul O’Kane: I was going to defend Christine Grahame by referring to the sticky buttons, which is probably the best way to put it. Tess White makes a number of points. We have clearly outlined the Scottish Labour Party’s position, but during the 14 years that the Conservative Party was in power, what action did she take on WASPI women, and what did she raise with secretaries of state and ministers? What did she say when the PHSO report came to Mel Stride? He made many points in the Westminster chamber not accepting parts of the report. What would her plan for compensation be if her party was still in government?”
“Tess White: You are shocked and angry, and not just because Liz Kendall has rejected the PHSO recommendation for compensation entirely, without even considering a more targeted scheme that could help the most vulnerable. Yes, Monica Lennon, if you could work with your colleagues and agree a way forward, that would be a good track ahead. Where is the compassion, care and understanding that was promised when Labour sat on the Opposition benches? During the general election, as Labour candidates chapped on doors up and down the country, where was the honesty? Paul O’Kane: Will the member give way? Tess White: Presiding Officer, will I get the time back? The Deputy Presiding Officer: You will get the time back.”
“Rather than pick out individuals who could say or do more, we have given examples of where our Labour colleagues are doing their very best. We know that we have a long way to go, but does she agree that we should focus on what we agree on and unite to speak with one voice for the WASPI women? The Deputy Presiding Officer: I will give you your time back, Tess White. Tess White: I wonder whether Keir Starmer is going to give you a vote on this— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair, Ms White. Tess White: —and listen to his colleagues in the chamber today. I hope—I have had it confirmed today—that you are shocked— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair please, Ms White.”
“Those women have done their best to make their way in the world of unequal pay and the persistent gender pension gap. Over the past few weeks, there has been a shocking betrayal of trust from Labour that has, understandably, left WASPI women reeling. It is not just “disappointment”, Mr O’Kane; it is a massive frustration. Monica Lennon rose— Paul O’Kane: Will Tess White take an intervention? Tess White: I will give way to Monica Lennon. Monica Lennon: To prove Christine Grahame right, there is an issue with the request-to-speak buttons. Does Tess White agree that, to best help the WASPI women, we should try to focus on what we agree on? In the Parliament today, we agree on justice and fair compensation for the women.”
“I asked Katy Clark whether she has raised the broken promises with her colleagues Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer, Liz Kendall and Angela Rayner. She said that she had, which I am sure gives some comfort, but, sadly, she has not been able to persuade them to honour the promises that they made. Jeremy Balfour talked about many people being “disillusioned” with politicians. He said that either Keir Starmer was “dishonest” and that it was a betrayal, or he just got it wrong and did not do his homework. It is not often that I agree with Christine Grahame, but I agreed with her today when she said, “Labour has nowhere to hide—not even in that amendment.” Michael Marra, in trying to answer the questions from Shirley-Anne Somerville and Douglas Ross, highlighted that his Scottish Labour MP colleagues have betrayed the WASPI women.”
“As I was listening to that, I was wondering where Richard Leonard was today, banging on the table, fighting for the WASPI women. There he is now. Christine Grahame: He is here. Tess White: Yes—he is here now. Monica Lennon stepped in and said that she was furious and frustrated. That is very important. Megan Gallacher described the stress and anxiety that have been created. The WASPI women had hope and promises from Labour. They are not just disappointed; they feel betrayed. Beatrice Wishart called it as it is: Labour’s “betrayal”. Leading the debate for Labour today, Paul O’Kane could not answer the key question on the U-turn of his Labour colleague Liz Kendall, given her promises when in opposition. As my colleague Douglas Ross has pointed out, no one is going to pat Labour on the back today.”
“I, too, pay tribute to the WASPI campaigners in the north-east and across Scotland, including those who are in the public gallery today. For many long years, they have fought with dignity and determination for their voices to be heard. The UK Labour Government has betrayed those women after spending years promising to provide compensation, only to U-turn once Labour got into power. This has been a passionate debate, and rightly so. WASPI women—3.6 million of them—have had the rug pulled out from under them by Keir Starmer. They have been angered by Labour’s hypocrisy and its persistent attacks on pensioners. Today we heard from Paul O’Kane. I think that it is insulting to use the word “disappointment”, but he says that he recognises the women’s disappointment. All he can say is that his colleagues might think again.”
“Many politicians have campaigned with the WASPI women, who were given hope that there would be a successful outcome. I therefore support the motion and the amendment, and I call on the UK Government to reconsider its decision. 15:45”