A petition calling for the state pension age to be cut to 65 for everyone has passed 112,000 signatures, with the campaign now set to be considered for a debate in Parliament.
The petition, created by Michelle Gill, argues that lowering the retirement age would allow people to retire with dignity, avoid hardship and potentially free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market.
It has attracted 112,304 signatures and remains open until March 16, 2027.
The campaign comes as the state pension age is gradually increasing from 66 to 67, with the change having started in April 2026 and due to be completed by March 2028.
However, the Government has already rejected the call to bring the pension age back down to 65, saying it has no plans to make the change.
Petition calling for state pension age of 65
The petition says: "Reduce the state pension age to 65. We believe this could mean people can retire with dignity and avoid hardship. We also think it could free up jobs for younger workers.
"Many aged 65–67 face poor health, caring pressures, and limited work options, which we think is unfair."
The campaign passed the 100,000-signature threshold, meaning the Petitions Committee will consider it for debate in Parliament.
An update published on October 24 confirmed that the petition would be considered for debate.
It does not mean a debate has been scheduled or that the Government has agreed to change the rules.
Government rejects calls to lower pension age
In its response, published on October 13, the Government said: "The Government has no plans to lower the State Pension age.
"There are no plans to reduce State Pension age to 65."
Ministers pointed to rising life expectancy and said pension age policy takes account of the fact that people are living longer and society is ageing.
The Government cited Office for National Statistics projections showing that men aged 66 in the UK could expect to live a further 19.3 years on average in 2026, while women of the same age could expect to live another 21.9 years.
By 2046, those figures are projected to increase by a further 1.6 years.
The response also said increases to the state pension age had been in legislation since the Pensions Act 1995 and were intended to maintain fairness between generations and protect public finances.
State pension age review underway
The Government confirmed that its Third State Pension Age Review is underway.
The review will consider what state pension age is appropriate for future decades, taking into account a range of evidence, including life expectancy projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports from Dr Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases.
The Government also acknowledged that people aged 50 and over can face barriers to staying in work or finding a new job.
These include ill health, disability, caring responsibilities, menopause and outdated skills or qualifications.
Ministers said support for older workers includes dedicated 50PLUS Champions, additional time with work coaches for new Universal Credit claimants aged over 50, and Midlife MOTs delivered in Jobcentres.
Government points to support for younger workers
The petition, which can still be signed here, argues that lowering the state pension age could free up jobs for younger people.
In its response, the Government said it was investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy.
It said the investment would support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.
The measures include expanded Youth Hubs, additional work experience and training, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers.
The Government also said it would provide a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed people aged 18 to 24.
The petition remains open for signatures until March 16, 2027.
Share