North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson admits she was “honoured” to be named a hero by the Ayrshire WASPI Group.

Members of the Women Against State Pension Inequality movement have campaigned for decades over the little notice they received after the state pension age for men and women was equalised in 1995.

This left millions of woman born in the 1950s and 1960s suffering financially as a result because they had not planned for working several more years.

SNP MP Patricia Gibson has campaigned alongside the women for many years, and was thrilled to receive special recognition from the Ayrshire group.

She said: “I was truly honoured to be presented with a WASPI Hero award by Frances and Lynne from Ayrshire WASPI Group.

“WASPI has campaigned tirelessly, and with admirable dignity, against how the state pension age for men and women was equalised.

“This left around 3.8 million women born on or after April 6, 1950 to April 5, 1960 with a later retirement age for which they received little or no notice.

“This matter is now being investigated by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman which previously found the DWP guilty of maladministration for failing to sufficiently inform the women about the increase.

“The Ombudsman must complete this investigation quickly and fairly and WASPI women must receive proper compensation for the loss of their pensions.

“I will continue to stand up for justice for WASPI women, as I have done since they were first robbed of their rightful pensions.”