Ed has called for fairness and justice for thousands of retired miners and their families in Doncaster in the House of Commons.

He also called in his speech on the Government to come clean about how the decisions had been made in 1994 which have led to more than £4 billion being taken from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme by government. The government has admitted there was no “actuarial advice” behind the decision. Ed has now written to the minister demanding the papers relating to the decision are published.

Ed was speaking in a debate in the House of Commons called to review the arrangements which have led to 50% of any surplus in the Mineworkers Pension Scheme being taken by government.

Ed said after the debate:

“It is scandalous that over £4 billion has been scooped by government as a result of the decision in 1994. That’s £4 billion taken out of the pockets of retired miners and their families.”

“We now know that there was no proper actuarial evidence behind the decision. I am demanding that the government come clean about how the original decision was made and that they abide by the motion passed by the House of Commons to review the arrangements.”

“Retired Doncaster miners and their families deserve justice. Many are on small pensions and this money would make a real difference to them.”

Ed also paid tribute in the debate to Doncaster campaigner Les Moore and his UK Miners Pension Scheme for justice and fair play association, as well as the NUM, for their campaigning.