UK state pension age reduction petition, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): A petition calling for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 has passed the 100,000-signature threshold needed for it to be considered for debate in Parliament, according to the Daily Express. The petition, created by Michelle Gill, had attracted 111,974 signatures and will remain open until March 16, 2027.
The petition calls for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 for everyone. Campaigners argue the move could help people retire with dignity and potentially free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market.
The petition states that many people aged 65 to 67 face poor health, caring pressures and limited work options, which the campaigners consider unfair.
An update published on the petition’s official Parliament page on October 24 confirmed that it had passed the 100,000-signature mark, meaning the Petitions Committee will consider it for debate in Parliament.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions said in response to the petition on October 13 that there are “no plans to reduce state pension age to 65.” Ministers pointed to increasing life expectancy and the ageing population as reasons behind the current policy.
The government said men aged 66 in the UK in 2026 can expect to live for another 19.3 years on average, while women of the same age can expect another 21.9 years. By 2046, these figures are projected to have increased by a further 1.6 years.
The State Pension age is currently rising gradually from 66 to 67, with the increase beginning in April 2026 and due to be completed in March 2028. The government said these increases have helped maintain “fairness between generations” and protect the public finances as people live longer.
The Third State Pension age Review is underway and will consider what pension age is appropriate for future decades. The review will consider evidence including life expectancy projections from the Office for National Statistics, findings from the Government Actuary and independent reports.
The government also acknowledged that people aged 50 and over can face barriers to remaining in or returning to work, including ill health, disability and caring responsibilities. It said employment support is being reformed as part of plans for a new Jobs and Careers Service, alongside measures including 50PLUS Champions and Midlife MOTs.
The petition was first published on September 16 and passed the 10,000-signature threshold required for an official government response by October 1. It has since surpassed 100,000 signatures, placing the proposal in line for consideration by the Petitions Committee for a potential parliamentary debate.
