John Baron MP votes for Equitable Life compensation

MP presses Government on clear timetable to remedy injustice

John Baron MP last night voted in support of a Conservative motion to push the Government over its handling of the Equitable Life issue. The motion was strong in its condemnation of Government delays:

“That this House notes that the Ombudsman published her report on Equitable Life in July 2008, that the Government did not make its response until January 2009, and that its rejection of some of her findings was successfully challenged in the High Court; believes that the delays caused by the Government since the publication of the Ombudsman's report have led to further and unnecessary hardship for Equitable Life's policyholders and have done further damage to the UK's savings culture; and calls on the Government to set a clear timetable for implementing the Ombudsman's recommendations and remedying the injustice suffered by policyholders.”

Speaking afterwards John said:

“Equitable Life policyholders have been rightly angered by the Government’s shameful indifference and delay. Over a year has passed since Sir John Chadwick was appointed to design a compensation scheme and still policyholders wait for justice.

“Unfortunately we were defeated by the Government on this occasion, but my colleagues and I will continue to push for a clear timetable on compensation. We must not and will not give up on justice for policyholders.”