Demonstrators seek permanent “decent pension”
Unions and pensioners are demonstrating in Parliament Square as they lobby MPs for a “decent state pension” for over-60s in perpetuity.
Around 1,000 protestors are expected as the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) joins forces with over 15 trade unions to mark the centenary of the state pension.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber says the value of the state pension has “melted away” since its link with earnings was ended by the Conservative government.
Now it wants the basic state pension to be raised above the poverty level to £151 a week for a single pensioner.
Demonstrators are also seeking restoration of the earnings link and a commitment that the state pension be paid to all existing pensioners on a universal basis.
NPC general secretary Joe Harris said: “Pensioners – both now and in the future – need dignity and security in retirement that only a decent state pension can provide.
“The government should use the huge £46bn surplus in the National Insurance Fund and give everyone a pension that takes them out of poverty.”
From 12:00 BST until 14:00 BST a rally will take place at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster before MPs are lobbied in the House of Commons.
