Pensioners called on Boris Johnson to save free TV licences for all over-75s as they delivered a petition to Downing Street yesterday.
Campaigners and staff from Age UK gathered outside No10 with placards bearing slogans such as: “TV is our lifeline.”
The charity’s petition, which demands that “the Government takes back responsibility for funding free TV licences”, has been signed by more than 620,000 people.
The responsibility is due to be transferred from the Government to the BBC next year as part of an agreement hammered out in 2015.
The BBC has claimed funding the universal scheme would mean it would have to close BBC2, BBC4, the BBC News Channel, the BBC Scotland channel, Radio 5 Live and several local radio stations.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said: “Free television when you’re older is more than just a box in the corner of the room.
"It’s a lifeline for millions, especially those who are living alone and with health problems or disability.
“We presented our new Prime Minister with just a taster of how older people feel about this.
“Older people have told us, even begged us, to speak out on their behalf and fight their corner.
“We call on Boris Johnson to listen to the staggering number of people of all ages who truly believe the funding of TV licences firmly rests with the Government and not the BBC.
“We ask him to abide by the Conservative manifesto pledge to keep free TV licences for the over-75s.”
