Mineworkers’ Pensions Update

At the end of November, 3,755 former mineworkers in the Easington Constituency received a well-deserved uplift in their weekly pensions, overturning an historic injustice and ensuring fair pay outs for years to come. This payment marks a significant step toward justice for the workers who powered our country for decades, putting money back into the pockets of those who deserve it most.

Thanks to Labour’s reversal of this injustice, £1.5 billion was transferred to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme last month. This uplift represents an average 32% increase to annual pensions for 112,000 former mineworkers and their dependents across the UK—an average rise of £29 per week.

Our country owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the mineworkers who built our national heritage. Many residents have shared with me their anger about the unfairness of the Scheme, and I’m proud that Labour has delivered on this key manifesto pledge to right a historic wrong.

However, there is more work to be done. Many constituents who are members of the *British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS)* have contacted me to ask when they will see justice. When we talk about mineworkers’ pensions, we must include all those who contributed to the coal industry—whether underground, in canteens, wages offices, or as deputies and managers. All are deserving of justice for the £3.2 billion the government has taken from their pensions.

This is a fight I am proud to continue, working alongside BCSSS campaigners, trustees, and fellow coalfield MPs. This week, I coordinated a joint letter to Sarah Jones MP, the Minister responsible for former coal pensions, urging action. I will keep constituents updated on our progress and remain confident that we can deliver justice for the 40,000 BCSSS members, including 748 here in Easington.

Together, we will work to deliver justice for everyone who played a role in building the coal industry and powering our nation’s success.