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War Widows’ Pension Scheme
30 January 2020
Lead MP
Julian Lewis
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
DefenceBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 3
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
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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