Momentum is building around a major proposal to reform the UK’s State Pension system. A petition launched by campaigner Denver Johnson is calling for the State Pension to be raised to £549.12 per week and made available to everyone aged 60 and over—including British expats. With more than 18,700 signatures already gathered, the petition needs just over 81,000 more by 26 May 2025 to qualify for a parliamentary debate.
If passed, this proposal would mark a fundamental shift in how the UK supports its retirees, linking pension payments to the National Living Wage and expanding eligibility to millions more.
Petition Details
The petition outlines a bold demand that would dramatically increase pension payments and expand access. Here’s a summary:
| Petition Demand | Description |
|---|---|
| Weekly Pension Amount | £549.12 |
| Annual Equivalent | £28,554.24 |
| Age Eligibility | Everyone aged 60 and above |
| British Expats Included | Yes, regardless of where they live |
| Basis for Amount | 48 hours per week at £11.44 per hour |
The core argument is that pensions should reflect modern wages—not outdated thresholds. The proposed amount mirrors a full-time weekly wage at the current National Living Wage rate, aiming to give pensioners a livable income rather than just a subsistence one.
Currentrates
Here’s how current State Pension payments compare to the proposed figure:
| Pension Type | Weekly Rate (2025/26) | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Basic State Pension | £176.45 | £9,175.40 |
Even after a 4.1% increase under the Triple Lock system, both figures fall significantly short of the £28,554 annual figure proposed in the petition.
Why it Matters
This petition is more than just a call for higher payments—it challenges the entire structure of the current system. Here’s what it proposes:
- Lowering the pension age from 66 to 60
- Basing payments on living wage standards, not National Insurance history alone
- Fixing pension freezing for 453,000 British expats
Supporters believe this would not only enhance dignity in retirement but also reduce pensioner poverty and boost economic activity, especially in local communities where retirees spend their money.
Government Response
The petition has already triggered an official reply from the Department for Work and Pensions after passing 10,000 signatures. The government’s response was firm:
- The State Pension is considered a contributory entitlement, not a benefit
- There are no current plans to increase it to £549 per week
- Implementing such a change would require billions of pounds annually
While acknowledging the pressure to improve retirement support, the DWP highlighted the major fiscal challenges such a proposal would create.
Impact on Expats
One of the most talked-about aspects of the petition is its call to unfreeze pensions for British expats. Currently, if a UK pensioner retires to a country without a reciprocal agreement—such as Canada, Australia, or much of Africa—their pension stays locked at the rate it was first issued.
If the petition’s demands are met:
- Expats would receive annual uprating
- All pensioners abroad would be eligible for the £549 weekly rate
- It could help restore financial security for hundreds of thousands overseas
Supporters’ Points
Backers of the petition argue the following:
- The State Pension should offer a dignified, livable retirement
- Linking it to the living wage ensures fairness across generations
- Allowing early access at 60 would help people in physically demanding jobs
- Raising the personal allowance threshold would reduce dependency on other welfare programs
The reform, they argue, isn’t just about more money—it’s about modernising an outdated system.
Next Steps
| Debate Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Signatures Needed | 100,000 |
| Current Signatures | 18,710 (as of 25 May 2025) |
| Deadline | 26 May 2025 |
| Parliamentary Debate | Triggered if goal is met |
Time is ticking. With just days left until the deadline, the campaign is counting on a final surge in public support to push the petition over the line.
If you support this proposal or want to have your voice heard, you can sign the petition directly on the UK Parliament petition portal.
Whether or not this plan becomes law, it has already started an important national conversation. Many believe the time has come for the UK to reconsider how it treats its older citizens—and what kind of retirement system truly supports dignity, independence, and security.
FAQs
What is the goal of the pension petition?
To raise the State Pension to £549 weekly from age 60.
Who launched the pension petition?
The campaign was started by Denver Johnson.
What’s the deadline to sign the petition?
The deadline is 26 May 2025.
Does the proposal include British expats?
Yes, including those in countries without agreements.
Will the pension increase happen soon?
Only if debated and passed in Parliament.
