TWO Ceredigion women have helped their MP to take the case for 1950s women’s pension justice to Parliament.

Rachel Nicholas, from Cardigan, and Marie Thomas from Aberystwyth and both members of Ceredigion Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI), assisted MP Ben Lake at a packed drop-in information session at Westminster on Wednesday, March 4.

“It was a pleasure to co-host this important event, bringing WASPI representatives from across the UK to Westminster to meet MPs of all parties face-to-face,” said Mr Lake.

“It gave the WASPI women a chance to share their personal experiences and to show how these unfair pension changes have impacted upon the lives of 1950s women.”

“I was blown away by the support from everyone we talked to,”said Rachel.

“There are 3.8 million 1950s women throughout the UK, over 5,000 in Ceredigion. We paid into the State Pension Scheme all our working lives on the understanding of getting our pensions at 60. At the last minute we found out we would have to work a further six years.

“Ben got MPs from all parties to host the event with him to attract MPs of all colours. Around 70 MPs turned up which, I believe, is a record number for this kind of event.”

Marie added: “It was a very busy session. MPs from all over the UK and all parties came to meet the WASPI women. Some clearly already supported the campaign. Others, who were recently elected, took information leaflets away and are now on our mailing list.

“Ben took us around the Houses of Parliament. He is a very knowledgeable guide and told us some interesting stories. We saw some of Prime Minister’s Questions and a House of Lords debate. It really was a day to remember!”