Stripping veterans of their free TV licences is a new low, even for the Tories.
A party that supposedly prides itself on support for our armed forces is breaking a solemn vow to voters – and plundering the household budgets of our nation’s heroes.
The Tories went to the country in June 2017 claiming they would protect pensioner benefits, including free TV licences for the over-75s.
Understandably, millions of OAPs crossed the Tory box safe in the knowledge the lifeline would be preserved.
But the deceitful Conservatives had already stitched up a deal to wash their hands of the benefit, piling pressure on the BBC.
There are questions to be asked about the Corporation’s salary bill, particularly for so-called “talent”.
But a promise is a promise. If trust between government and the governed is to mean anything, free licences must be saved.
These heroes have served our country.
The least they are owed is respect in the autumn of their lives.
Fly ’n’ mighty
BY hopping on a budget flight to Balmoral, Kate and William are showing Meghan and Harry the way when it comes to air travel.
The Sussexes have rightly been blasted for hypocrisy for leaping on gas-guzzling private planes while preaching about climate change.
By taking a FlyBe flight to Aberdeen, the Cambridges have quietly set a good example.
While they may not be your average family, rummaging for passports and arguing about the gate number, they make themselves a little more like the rest of us by their flight choice.
Instead of lecturing us about carbon footprints, Harry and Meghan would do well to follow in William and Kate’s footsteps by slumming it on a low-cost carrier.
Ray grades
CONGRATULATIONS to all those celebrating their GCSE results.
And don’t worry if you didn’t make the grade yesterday – at least the sun will be shining so you can catch some rays this weekend.
