Wells MP Tessa Munt has blasted the government's refusal to pay compensation to 1950s-born women hit by state pension age changes — calling the move "heartless".

The Liberal Democrat MP for Wells and Mendip Hills spoke out following the announcement that ministers would not follow the Ombudsman's recommendation to offer financial redress to WASPI women.

"It is shocking that the Government has so heartlessly ignored the advice of the Ombudsman," she said. "For millions of WASPI women, including many in my constituency, this latest announcement adds to the deep frustration they have felt for many years."

Ms Munt confirmed she had raised the issue directly in the House of Commons after the decision, urging ministers to reverse course and back compensation.

"My Lib Dem colleagues and I will continue to challenge the Government to give those affected the recompense and treatment they deserve," she said.

WASPI — Women Against State Pension Inequality — campaigns on behalf of women born in the 1950s who say they were not given proper notice of changes to the state pension age. Many claim they have suffered severe financial hardship as a result of having to wait longer for their pensions.

The Government insists the changes were legal and necessary, but campaigners say the refusal to pay any compensation is a betrayal of trust.

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