Piers Morgan claims the BBC is ‘swimming in cash’ as he slams decision to take away free TV licence from over-75s
PIERS Morgan has claimed that the BBC is “swimming in cash” as he slammed their decision to take away free TV licences from over-75s. The 54-year-old star launched an impassioned rant against the corporation during today’s Good Morning Britain – branding the move “disgusting”. He seethed: “They’re all over 75, we just paid tribute to […]
PIERS Morgan has claimed that the BBC is “swimming in cash” as he slammed their decision to take away free TV licences from over-75s.
The 54-year-old star launched an impassioned rant against the corporation during today’s Good Morning Britain – branding the move “disgusting”.
He seethed: “They’re all over 75, we just paid tribute to 300 of these extraordinary people, saluting their valiant D-Day heroism… And this is their reward?
“Within hours of them getting home, they are now going to be charged £154 to watch television in this country.
“20 years ago we gave over 75s a free TV licence, that is an absolute disgrace. It is disgusting, the BBC should not be getting away with this.
“They can blame the government all they like, the BBC is swimming in cash.”
Piers emphasised: “Swimming in cash. 106 executives earning £150,000 or more, think about that.”
He then suggested that the Beeb should get rid of the executives rather than the free service for the elderly as Susanna Reid agreed, pointing out: “For some it is the only voice, only company, they will have all day.”
Piers continued: “You have lived through the second World War and unless you are absolutely on the poverty line, most of these pensioners are now being punished.
“£154, absolutely disgusting, it is one of the most snivelling little things I can imagine.
“For many people it is the only window into the world and this is what we do for them, really BBC?
“You’re going to tax D-Day veterans to watch telly – shame on the BBC for doing this, I think they should be forced to do a U-turn.”
He then urged fans to revolt in support of the pensioners, adding: “Why don’t we all go out now and say we aren’t going to do it?
“We should say we aren’t paying our licence fee – there is so much competition now with Netflix and streamers.
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“This is a massive mistake for the BBC.”
Yesterday the BBC announced that 3.7million households that currently receive a free TV licence will be forced to pay the fee in 2020 unless they receive pension credit.
Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “very disappointed” with the decision and urged the BBC to look again.
Charity Age UK warned that the extra bill could trigger “great worry and distress” to thousands of vulnerable pensioners.
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