Mansfield MP to lead Parliament debate on mineworkers’ pensions
Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield, will lead a debate in Parliament this Wednesday (21st October) on mineworkers’ pension schemes in Nottinghamshire.
Mansfield has around 5,000 members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme combined, more than any other constituency in the country.
Mr Yemm secured the House of Commons debate after a request to the Speaker. The minister responsible will attend to hear his speech and give a full reply.
Mr Yemm is backing the trustees of both schemes, who have asked the Government to let members keep 100 per cent of future surpluses.
Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme trustees are also calling for a new bonus pension using around £1 billion of surplus held in the scheme, and for the bonus pensions paid in 2024 to be protected.
Mr Yemm said: “Former miners and their families in Mansfield have waited too long for a fair deal, and I know how much this means to them.
“This debate means the minister will be in the room, hearing the case for Mansfield, and will have to respond.”
With the Budget less than two weeks away, Mr Yemm has also raised the issue in the chamber, written to ministers and held regular discussions with Government, including the chancellor.
He added: “The Budget is our chance to get this over the line. I’ll keep pushing until Mansfield’s former miners get what they’re owed.”