declared Britain an "ageist society" following news that a UK city will be handing out free bus passes to "potentially illegal" asylum seekers, whereas pensioners need to wait until the age of 66 (or 60 in London) to be eligible.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Britain is an ageist society - you're despised!" the host exclaimed. Christopher Biggins, beside him in the studio, agreed, shooting back: "I wish we hadn't worked. I wish we'd lived off the dole or something!"
Horrified co-star chimed in: "You'd probably get more respect wouldn't you?" Biggins despaired that, despite paying taxes all their working lives, many pensioners now seemed to be getting overlooked.
It comes after the government announced that millions of older people would lose their Winter Fuel Allowances due to cutbacks, and has rubbed salt into open wounds. The migrants, living in hotel accommodation, will be handed day passes for bus travel free of charge, while those already living in the city will pay £4.50.
The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, claimed that the initiative would "help those who have least to be more at home", while providing "a tangible sign of welcome from our whole community". However, it has also sparked a backlash, with some furious about the plans and suggesting 65-year-olds had been left behind, despite some who'd worked all their lives now suffering poor health and mobility.
Dawn Neesom said rumours that Labour would be axing free travel for pensioners in London altogether in a bid to save cash amid a "£22billion black hole" in the public purse had been denied.
However, she referenced the asylum seeker bus pass scheme, which she argued could lead to "potentially illegal immigrants" receiving free travel that others cannot get.
"Does that make any sense to anybody?" she quizzed.
"They just don't care about us anymore, that is the problem," Biggins shot back.
Meanwhile, Biggins also sparked concern amid the ageism debate with a frustrated remark about pensioners giving up and dying at 70, due to the obstacles placed in their way.
One concerned fan wrote: "Unfortunately I switched on to GBN. Biggins was on - he thinks when you get to 70 you should give up the Ghost & die apparently. I wonder if this man is ok."
Adding a clown emoji, he continued: "I've heard some STUPID comments in my life I really think this has got to be up there with the most STUPID I've ever heard."
Another sympathised: "Please give Biggins a cuddle for me - am 27 months away from 70, can't imagine dying of old age as I haven't grown up yet..."
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