27 May 2009
The Equitable Members Action Group (EMAG), which represents
those who lost money in the pension provider, has been granted a
High Court hearing in its bid to challenge the Government's
response to Parliamentary Ombudsman's findings.
Mr Justice Gross has granted the group a full High Court hearing
as it seeks to secure compensation for members from the Government
as recommended by the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Mr Justice Gross said that the case raises "questions of wide
general importance for public administration" and it is "a
manifestly appropriate case for proceeding to a full hearing".
EMAG has asked the court to expedite the case, given that a
number of members have died without compensation and many more
continue to pass away. The judge directed that the full hearing
should take place as soon reasonably practicable and the Treasury
has been given until June 24 to prepare its defence.
EMAG's general secretary Paul Braithwaite says: "The tide of
moral indignation is finally turning in our favour and there's a
growing realisation that there are a significant number of votes to
be won and lost over Equitable Life in the general election.
"This Government is out of step with public opinion, Parliament,
the Parliamentary Ombudsman, media commentators and the victims of
this scandal. After ten years of delay and obfuscation over
Equitable Life the Government is now in very deep manure. It's time
to stop digging and pay up."
