Veteran Anne Puckridge Continues Pension Reform Fight

Anne Puckridge, a 99-year-old war veteran, has traveled from Canada to the UK to lobby against the policy freezing pensions for expatriates, which has left many, including her, without inflation-adjusted pensions. Despite a refusal from Sir Keir Starmer to meet due to scheduling conflicts, Puckridge continues to advocate for policy change, emphasizing the financial hardships faced by these pensioners. Puckridge's pension has been frozen at £72.50 a week since 2001, resulting in an estimated loss of £60,000 compared to what she would receive in the UK. The policy affects over 450,000 British pensioners living overseas and is considered unjust and dehumanizing by Puckridge. The government has historically rejected calls to uprate frozen pensions due to cost concerns, although agreements with some countries ensure inflation-linked increases. Her efforts underscore the broader issues of pension fairness and international pension agreements.