Standing Up for Mining Communities: My Commitment to Fairness for BCSSS Members

“For decades, our mining communities powered Scotland and the UK, often at great personal cost. These men and women worked in tough conditions, building the foundations of our modern economy. Yet, many of them have been left behind when it comes to pension fairness. As the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and as someone deeply connected to our mining heritage through my involvement with the National Mining Museum, I have always stood firm with miners and their families. This fight is about justice, dignity, and ensuring that those who gave so much are not forgotten.
 
“The British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) currently holds a reserve of £2.3 billion that has not been distributed to its members. This is in stark contrast to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (MPS), which received a £1.5 billion transfer last year after decades of campaigning. The disparity is indefensible. Many BCSSS members are elderly, average age around 75, and thousands have already passed away without seeing the fairness they deserve. Among them are almost all of the 5,000 women who worked in mining, a group that has been disproportionately affected by this injustice.
 
“Since this issue came to light, I have taken every opportunity to press the UK Government for action. I wrote directly to Ministers demanding that the £2.3 billion reserve be transferred to BCSSS members and that surplus-sharing arrangements be reviewed. I have raised the matter publicly, calling the Government’s failure to act “deeply disappointing” and highlighting the inconsistency in its approach. These are not just numbers on a balance sheet, they represent real people who contributed enormously to our country and who now face financial hardship during a cost-of-living crisis.
 
“I am pleased that, following sustained pressure from many, the UK Government has met with BCSSS Trustees multiple times and is now engaging with HM Treasury to agree a way forward. The Prime Minister recently confirmed that the Government aims to reach an agreement later this year that will benefit scheme members. This is progress, but we will not stop until the commitment becomes reality.
 
“My work on this issue is part of a broader commitment to our mining communities. Through my involvement with the National Mining Museum, I have worked to preserve the history and legacy of Scotland’s miners, ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made. But preserving history is not enough, we must also fight for fairness today. That is why I, along with my SNP colleagues, will continue to hold the UK Government to account until BCSSS members receive what they are owed.
 
“This is about more than pensions, it is about respect. Our miners built this nation. They deserve justice, and I will not rest until they get it.”
 
ENDS