Brexit may be submerging every other issue.
But no Tory MP should doubt the anger caused by the prospect of most over-75s losing their free TV licences.
This is a decision for the Government – not for the BBC.
The commitment to maintain the universal benefit for the lifetime of this Parliament was included in the 2017 Tory manifesto.
READ MORE: BBC licence row: Pensioners protest outside BBC headquarters
That commitment cannot be sub-contracted to the BBC.
Indeed, the whole idea of dumping responsibility on to the BBC, as part of the 2015 Charter renewal, was wrong and unsustainable. If a government wants to restrict or get rid of a benefit, it should have the political courage to do so, rather than hiding behind a third party.
Maintaining it for those on Pension Credit is the BBC’s attempt at credible compromise.
But only a small minority of over-75s are on Pension Credit and many who are eligible do not claim it.
Pressure is mounting on Government who really do not have a leg to stand on.
I would urge readers to sign the Age UK petition, which already has over 500,000 signatures.
It is crucial this issue plays a part in the Tory leadership election. The 16 hustings offer platforms to ask Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt If they will ensure this does not go ahead.
READ MORE: New legislative bid by Lord Foulkes to save free licences for over-75s
I have also introduced a Bill in the House of Lords that, if legislated, would pass the responsibility from the BBC back to the Government.
This has received support from MPs and peers from all sides. The BBC has already been advising how eligible over-75s can receive free TV licences in future. That is premature.
This is far from a done deal. If we maintain pressure in Parliament and outside, ministers will have no choice but to rethink.
The votes of three million over-75s are not to be ignored.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock is chairman of Age Scotland.
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