What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Boris Johnson has refused to fund over-75s’ TV licences and instead passed responsibility onto the BBC.

The PM said the BBC must “cough up” – despite finding billions to plan for the chaos of a likely no-deal.

Shadow Culture Secretary Tom Watson said: “His disregard for older people is appalling. He is trying to blame the BBC for his own Government’s policy, but this obfuscation will not work.

“This Government must stop passing the buck and step in to fund the free TV licences today.”

But Johnson tried to shirk responsibility as he flew to the G7 summit in Biarritz.

He said: “The BBC received a settlement conditional upon their paying for TV licences for the over-75s. They should cough up.”

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty Images)

Bectu broadcasting union chief Philippa Childs said: “I’m sure millions of over-75s set to lose the benefit won’t forgive him for this betrayal.”

The Tories vowed in 2017 to keep TV licences free for over-75s, but in a deal stitched up two years earlier they had made the BBC responsible for funding it from 2020.

Yet Johnson has managed to find £2billion for no-deal plans on top of £4billion already promised and billions in tax cut vows.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: PA)

The Beeb estimates it would cost £745million a year to fund the licences and would lead to the loss of many of its services.

From next June, only those on Pension Credits will be eligible – just one in five. It means 3.7 million pensioners, including over 900,000 veterans, will have to find £154.50.

The Mirror’s campaign to save free licences is backed by politicians, celebrities and readers, and 634,334 signed AgeUK’s Switched Off petition to Downing Street.

AgeUK say that the older population has become a "piggy in the middle" in the escalating row between the BBC and the Government.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: “It is really clear to us that the BBC’s plan to means-test free licences from next June cannot go ahead. If it does we know hundreds of thousands will miss out on a free licence, even though they’re on a low income, because they won’t be receiving the qualifying benefit - Pension Credit.

"The result will be that some very vulnerable older people will have to choose between economising on food & heating or giving up their cherished TV.



"But, in addition, the whole process is destined to be an administrative disaster because for a variety of reasons, including ill health, similar numbers of very old people will not manage to buy a licence and will find themselves inadvertently breaking the law. Then you have to remember all those who will refuse to buy a licence on principle, who will eventually have to go to court.”



“It’s time the BBC and the Government sat down and sorted this out between them.

"The public is overwhelmingly in support of free licences continuing for over 75s and both sides in this dispute should listen to them and find a way to respond."

But a No10 source said: “The BBC must honour this agreement.”

Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Layla Moran said: “Boris Johnson has a habit of making lavish spending promises without any intention of actually paying for them; free TV licences for over-75s are the latest in a long list.



“If he wants to honour his pledge to keep TV licences free for over-75s, Johnson will have to reverse the cuts his own Conservative Government has inflicted on the BBC or fund them via his own spending pledge.



“It’s reprehensible that the Tories are now attacking the BBC for a decision they forced it to make and that Johnson lays the blame at any door but his own.



“The Liberal Democrats demand better. The Government must stop undermining the BBC and instead seek a long-term agreement to guarantee the future of the fair, free and accurate broadcasting that we all benefit from.”