North Ayrshire MP Patricia Gibson has slammed plans to increase the state pension age while life expectancy falls across the UK.

The UK Government has announced plans to increase the state pension age to 68, which has been met with opposition.

The SNP MP is urging Westminster to rethink its decision, claiming that the plans would disproportionately impact poorer people.

Mrs Gibson said: “The UK Government is also thinking about raising state pension age in 2034 instead of in 2044 as originally planned.

“This could mean a lost year of full state pension of £13,594 for workers aged 57, rising to £16,902 for workers aged 46.

“These plans have greatly exacerbated the public’s already low trust and confidence they have had in the state pension system.

“It follows the pension injustice which has been perpetrated on WASPI women, who had their retirement plans destroyed when their retirement age was increased with little or no notice.

“I raised these concerns to the leader of the house and asked her to explain why she believes increasing the state pension age while life expectancy is falling is justifiable. She was unable to do so.”