Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas hails victory, in fight for coal staff justice

Cameron Thomas has welcomed an announcement in the latest government budget, that it will fully transfer pension funds to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS).

In September Cameron had urged the government to deliver members their pension funds, following a meeting with dozens of affected residents at Stoke Orchard Community Centre, in Tewkesbury constituency. He had resolved to act on behalf of residents, having listened to their accounts of the injustice they have faced for several years.

Mr Thomas said: “Residents’ enduring feeling of injustice had been compounded last year, following a government decision to release the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Investment Reserve to its trustees, whilst neglecting this accompanying scheme.

This decision created disparity between mineworkers who worked for the same organisation, and sometimes together.

Following Wednesday’s announcement, Cameron said: “I am delighted for so many of my residents, that the government has now opted to return them their pension scheme. Having met trustees this summer, I was moved by their experiences and enthusiastically championed their cause. This injustice had continued for too long and I am proud to have worked to bring
it to a close. Today, 117 Tewkesbury constituents can finally celebrate the end of this saga.

“For decades, coal miners powered our nations; many now suffer ill health as a direct result of their hard, and often dangerous work. I am grateful that the government has now agreed to deliver them some justice.”