A public spat has erupted on social media between television presenter Kirstie Allsopp and beloved children's author Michael Rosen, centring on the use of the Freedom Pass for pensioners on London's transport network.
The Spark That Ignited the Row
The disagreement began when Michael Rosen, the 79-year-old author of We're Going On A Bear Hunt, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his Transport for London (TfL) Freedom Pass was not functioning and he was unable to get a replacement. In a reply that quickly gained attention, Kirstie Allsopp, the 54-year-old host of Location, Location, Location, criticised the very principle of the benefit.
Ms Allsopp directly addressed Mr Rosen, stating, 'A writer so successful that today is a day dedicated to him in schools all over the country thinks it is reasonable that he travels for free due to his age.' She went further, adding, 'People have to stop taking things they do not need, it is wrong and it is bankrupting our country.'
A War of Words Erupts
In his defence, Mr Rosen pointed out that he, like many others, also uses the National Health Service and that his children attended state schools. He questioned the logic of singling out one public service, asking if it was acceptable to use some state provisions and not others.
Ms Allsopp countered that using the NHS was 'not the same' and insisted that 'accepting free travel is wrong' for those who do not financially require it. The debate intensified when she directly asked the author if he used the pass because he could not afford to pay for travel, to which he responded by questioning where the line should be drawn, mentioning other concessions like tax relief on charitable donations.
What is the Freedom Pass?
According to Transport for London, the Freedom Pass is available to London residents who are either over the age of 66 or have a disability. The scheme provides significant benefits, including:
- Free travel on London's buses, trams, and train services, including the Tube.
- Discounts on river boat services and Santander Cycles.
- Free travel on local buses across England between 9:30 am and 11 pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
The exchange has sparked a wider conversation online about the value and ethics of universal benefits for older citizens, pitting principles of entitlement against concerns over public spending.
