Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:45 pm on 11 June 2019.
It is clear from the Secretary of State’s answer to the question from my hon. Friend Mr Betts that the Government made a promise in their manifesto, but knew at the time that it was not theirs to make. The Secretary of State has said that he is disappointed with the BBC. Will he clarify whether, during those discussions with the BBC, it ever promised the Government that for the foregoing period of that settlement it would retain free TV licences for all pensioners?