TV licence fee: Scarborough MP joins condemnation of BBC 'prosecuting and harassing people in lockdown'

Scarborough and Whitby's MP has accused the BBC of double standards over its prosecution of TV licence fee evaders during the pandemic.
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Robert Goodwill has backed a letter by fellow Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis calling for the broadcast organisation to stop using a debt-collecting firm to chase people who have not paid their licence fee throughout the coronavirus crisis.

The letter, to the BBC, accuses it of "continuing to prosecute and harass vulnerable people and families during lockdown".

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"Allowing Capita to continue sending debt collectors to knock on doors during this pandemic is unjust, unprincipled and far below what is expected of the British public service broadcaster," it says.

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Mr Goodwill said: "It seems ironic that the BBC gave plenty of airtime to Marcus Rashford and his campaign helping families but at the same time it is prosecuting families who are facing difficulties.

"It does seem to be dual standards from the BBC."

Mr Goodwill also said he thinks the non-payment of the television licence fee should be made a civil offence, rather than a criminal one.

"I just think the BBC needs to back off," he added.

Robert GoodwillRobert Goodwill
Robert Goodwill

Mr Goodwill was among 320 Conservative MPs who voted against funding free school meals during school holidays until Easter 2021.

The decision was condemned by footballer Marcus Rashford who has been campaigning to tackle child poverty.