Television Licences Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
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Television Licences
Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts(4 years, 5 months ago)
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Baroness Barran
There will be a very wide range of issues, I am sure, to be discussed between my right honourable friend the Secretary of State and the new director-general of the BBC when he comes into post. The Government are clear that everyone entitled to claim pension credit should do so, and we are aware that that is not the case universally, so we are also working in particular on that.
Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (DUP) [V]
In light of what our elderly have already experienced with Covid-19—the isolation and loneliness they have endured—many will have serious long-term effects. Does the Minister agree that it is time for the BBC to stop the blame game and honour the clear commitment already given to the over-75s?
Baroness Barran
The noble Lord is right to highlight the sacrifices made by the over-75s, but we are all aware that sacrifices have been made in many age groups. It is critical that we are clear that the BBC remains operationally independent of government.