The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Veteran actress condemns ‘cruel’ TV licence move
BBC: Age UK ambassador speaks out for over-75s
Veteran actress Miriam Margolyes has criticised the “cruel” and “heartless” end of the free TV licence for over-75s, and accused Boris Johnson of a “dereliction of duty” on the issue.
Her comments come 75 days before the universal entitlement is due to be scrapped and replaced with a means-tested benefit.
Margolyes, 78, told the PA news agency that many pensioners will be faced with the possibility of having their “friend” – the TV – taken from them.
She hit out at the prime minister for not responding to a petition of 630,000 signatures, which was delivered to Number 10 Downing Street seven months ago.
The star, who is an Age UK ambassador, said: “Boris Johnson should have responded by now.
“It’s a dereliction of duty. He clearly has other things on his mind at the moment (coronavirus) and that I do understand, because the health of the country has got to come before anything.”
But she said there had been enough time to respond, and added: “The prime minister .... is just not coming to the table.”
She described the government’s position as “vindictive, political hardplay,” adding: “It’s outrageous and must be fought.”
Margolyes spoke out as the government threatened to end the licence fee altogether, and turn the BBC into a subscription service.
And her comments came after BBC chief Lord Hall admitted it is “conceivable” that 90-year-olds could end up in court for nonpayment of the licence fee, but added they “absolutely don’t want” that.
Age UK has said the coronavirus outbreak has made free TV licences for over-75s even more crucial, as elderly people will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months.
A statement said: “They will want news, reassurance and reasons to be cheerful, and the TV will be key if they are to get this precious input from the outside world.”
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “We sincerely hope that the government and the BBC listen and respond. Time may be short but it is not too late for these free TV licences to be saved if the political will is there to do so.”