Debates between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Anna Turley during the 2017-2019 Parliament

TV Licences for Over-75s

Debate between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Anna Turley
Wednesday 8th May 2019

(5 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Watson of Wyre Forest Portrait Tom Watson
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If we believe in universal benefits and that people who have paid into the Exchequer over their working lives are entitled to benefits, then yes. I hope the hon. Gentleman believes that his party should stick to its manifesto pledges.

Anna Turley Portrait Anna Turley (Redcar) (Lab/Co-op)
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My hon. Friend is being extremely generous in giving way. He mentions the impact on the vulnerable. My constituent Elizabeth Tombling, who is 95 years old, says that her TV licence is one of the few bits of pleasure she has in her old age, particularly as she is housebound. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is unfair on her?

Lord Watson of Wyre Forest Portrait Tom Watson
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It is not fair on my hon. Friend’s constituent and the many hundreds of thousands of other pensioners who will lose out. Very often, it is the most vulnerable and the loneliest pensioners who depend on the free TV licence.