Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will review the decision to continue the freeze on pensions of overseas pensioners, in particular in nations where there is no reciprocal agreement in place; and what steps he is taking to establish reciprocal agreements where none exist.

The policy on up-rating UK State Pensions overseas is longstanding and has been supported by successive Governments for over 70 years.

The UK State Pension is payable worldwide to those who meet the qualifying conditions and is up-rated overseas where there is a legal requirement to do so – for example where there is a reciprocal agreement that provides for up-rating. There are no plans to change this policy.