Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp has become involved in a heated public dispute with celebrated children's author Michael Rosen, following a social media exchange about a free travel pass for older Londoners.
The Spark That Ignited the Row
The argument began on the social media platform X when Michael Rosen, the 79-year-old author of the classic book We're Going On A Bear Hunt, posted that his Transport for London (TfL) Freedom Pass was not functioning and that he was unable to get a replacement. This prompted a direct reply from Kirstie Allsopp, the 54-year-old host of Location, Location, Location.
Allsopp criticised the author, 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, accusing some users of the concessionary travel scheme of "bankrupting our country" and asserted that "People have to stop taking things they do not need."
A War of Words Escalates
In his defence, Rosen pointed out that he also uses the NHS and that his children attended state schools, framing these as other state provisions. Allsopp countered that this was "not the same" and told him directly that "accepting free travel is wrong."
The debate intensified as Rosen challenged Allsopp's knowledge of his personal finances, asking, "But you've explained that you know my income... so you must also know whether I could afford private health insurance and/or private education."
Allsopp fired back, arguing that private healthcare and education cost significantly more than public transport. She then posed a direct question to the Harrow-born author, asking if he used his Freedom Pass because he could not afford to travel without it. Rosen responded by questioning the logic of which state provisions are acceptable to use, mentioning tax relief and other subsidies.
What is the Freedom Pass?
According to Transport for London, the Freedom Pass is available to anyone who lives in a London borough and is either aged over 66 or is disabled. The pass provides substantial travel benefits across the capital.
Key entitlements include:
- Free travel on London's buses, trams, and train services, including the Underground.
- Discounts on river boat services and Santander Cycles.
- Free travel on local buses outside of London between 9:30 am and 11 pm on weekdays, and at any time on weekends and public holidays.
The social media clash has sparked a wider conversation about the value and perception of public services and concessions in the UK.
