Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

War Widows’ Pension Scheme

30 January 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

Veterans

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Julian Lewis raised concerns about war widows’ pension scheme in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Julian Lewis raised concerns about 265 war widows who lost their pensions upon remarriage or cohabitation and have not had them restored.
  • The Minister Johnny Mercer acknowledged the hardship but noted that retroactively reinstating pensions would be legally and policy-wise challenging.
  • Mercer highlighted previous changes in pension rules but stressed the need for careful consideration to avoid setting dangerous precedents.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

Mr Julian Lewis raised the issue of mistreatment faced by war widows who lost their war widow’s pension on remarriage or cohabitation and are yet to have it restored. He highlighted a scandal where approximately 265 widows face this issue, pointing out that David Cameron had committed in November 2014 to allow war widows to retain their pensions if they remarry or cohabit from April 2015 onwards. However, for those who had already lost their pension before the rule change, no reinstatement was offered, causing significant hardship and emotional distress for these individuals. Lewis argued that this situation is a breach of faith with fallen servicemen and urged for the issue to be addressed immediately without delay.

Other contributors (3)
  • Penny Mordaunt Con Portsmouth North

    Penny Mordaunt highlighted the financial sacrifices made by these women to support their husbands' military service, emphasising that they should not be forced to choose between security and a new partner.

  • Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

    Bob Stewart pointed out that this situation is unfair and wrong but could be resolved quickly by stating once someone receives a widow’s pension, they keep it permanently.

  • Allan Dorans SNP Inverclyde

    Allan Dorans agreed that the children of fallen servicemen deserve financial security from their father's military service, supporting Lewis's argument for fairness and equality in pension reinstatement.

Government Response

Johnny Mercer

Minister Johnny Mercer acknowledged the sacrifices made by war widows but explained that changing rules retroactively to reinstate pensions would be challenging due to legal and policy constraints. He highlighted previous changes in pension provisions, including reinstatement options after becoming single again before 2015. However, he emphasised that any retrospective change would need careful consideration without setting dangerous precedents. Mercer stated that the Ministry of Defence is committed to continuing discussions with war widow representatives to find a resolution aligning with the armed forces covenant's special recognition for bereaved families.

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