The UK government has decided to postpone a decision on bringing forward the rise in the state pension age to 68 until after the next election, in order to conduct a further impact review. Currently, the state pension age is 66 and is set to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
A 2017 review proposed moving the change to 68 forward to 2037-2039, but the latest review recommends the rise to take place in 2041-43, citing the slowing increase in life expectancy since 2017. The government is obligated to review the state pension age every six years.
According to Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the government cannot make a decision on the timing of the increase to 68 as there is insufficient evidence available on the long-term impact of recent challenges like Covid-19.
"Given the level of uncertainty about the data on life expectancy, labour markets, and the public finances ... I therefore plan for a further review to be undertaken within two years of the next parliament to consider the rise to age 68 again," Stride said.
"The government does not intend to change the existing legislation prior to the conclusion of the next review."
The Conservative party, currently in power in the UK, is behind the opposition Labour party in opinion polls with an election expected next year.
While Labour supported the government's decision to delay the increase in the state pension age, they questioned the timing of the move, highlighting previous statements by the government that advancing the increase was crucial for the long-term financial viability of public funds.
"Now it turns out, with a general election only a year or so away ... it is not so reckless and irresponsible after all to abandon it," Labour's work and pensions spokesman Jonathan Ashworth said.
President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 has sparked some of the worst social unrest in France in years this month.
(With inputs from PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)