CAMPAIGNERS from the county made their voices heard at Westminster to debate the state pension age.

Members of Solent Woman Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) united with others to watch the debate on the issue.

Women born in the 1950s have had up to six years added to their state pension age to move in line with men, WASPI say.

The group believes the way the policy was introduced left inadequate time for those women to make financial and work preparations for such a life-impacting change.

It campaigns for fair transitional state pension arrangements for all those affected.

From next year, the state pension age will rise to 66 for both men and women.

Many of the Solent group, which included women from Southampton, joined with other supporters outside Westminster to chant, sing and whistle, letting MPs know who they are.

Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely supported the campaign and said: “The 10,000 or so WASPI women in my constituency are certainly not natural protesters who wave a placard at the first opportunity.

“In fact, they have played a very positive role in our communities throughout the years. They are to be found in the women’s institute, making jam, and in many other voluntary groups.

“It is deeply disappointing that any Government should treat them in such a disrespectful way.

“Considering that the chancellor announced more money in the recent budget, it would have been nice if that Budget had given the WASPI women some recognition.”

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is currently considering carrying out an investigation into the way the SPA changes were implemented by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Following the debate, a spokesperson for Solent WASPI said: “We are grateful to the many MPs, across all parties, who steadfastly work on our behalf, and especially to those who spoke in today’s debate. We will make our presence felt at every parliamentary debate until we get justice.

"The Government needs to know that every quoted statistic represents real women.

Some have had to sell their homes to make ends meet. Some have been awarded divorce settlements based on the SPA of 60. Some are struggling to cope in poor health. Others are single with no partner support.”