Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw appeared on Good Morning Britain opposing the BBC's decision to scrap free licences for 3.7million pensioners.

The former Culture Secretary was joined by Christopher Biggins and Stanley Johnson who also took part in the debate with hosts Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid.

Mr Bradshaw said that the government must set in regarding the BBC licence row.

He said to Piers Morgan: "Piers I am not here to defend the BBC, this is a deal that the government did with the BBC and the government forced the BBC to essentially become arm of the department of working pensions.

"It's ridiculous, how would ITV like it if you had to be an arm of government policy deciding who gets free licence fees and who doesn't and that's why even the culture secretary who were there at the time and were responsible for he decision were saying in Parliament yesterday, it has to go back to the government."

It was only yesterday that Piers Morgan said he was outraged by the move and claims that the BBC is 'swimming in cash' and says pensioners are being punished.

Piers said on the show: "Swimming in cash. 106 executives earning £150,000 or more, think about that."

He then suggested that the BBC should get rid of the executives rather than the free service for the elderly as Susannah Reid agreed, pointing out: "For some it is the only voice, only company, they will have all day."

He continued: "You have lived through the second World War and unless you are absolutely on the poverty line, most of these pensioners are now being punished.

"£154, absolutely disgusting, it is one of the most snivelling little things I can imagine.

"For many people it is the only window into the world and this is what we do for them, really BBC?

"You're going to tax D-Day veterans to watch telly - shame on the BBC for doing this, I think they should be forced to do a U-turn."

He then urged fans to revolt in support of the pensioners, adding: "Why don't we all go out now and say we aren't going to do it?

"We should say we aren't paying our licence fee - there is so much competition now with Netflix and streamers.

"This is a massive mistake for the BBC."

Viewers then took to social media to agree with Piers Morgan.

One tweeted: " GMB I think it's discusting to make some over 75 pay for a TV licence and some not. Maybe we should as piers says stop paying our own. Or hook all the pensioners up to the Internet, then the TV would be cheaper for them."

Another commented: "Glad to see Piers Morgan is standing up for the pensioners. Some people are so lonely or housebound, they really need the TV. They should not have to pick between eating, keeping warm or having a TV. I think a campaign should be started."

One added: " GMB come on Piers start a campaign to get rid of the licence fee altogether ScrapTheLicenceFee GMB Would be very popular"

Only around 1.2 million households will now be eligible for the free TV licence, with around 3.7 million pensioners expected to lose out. As part of the BBC’s charter agreement which began in 2017, the corporation will take on the responsibility of paying for the free licence fees by June 2020.

The TV licence currently costs £154.50 a year for a colour or £52 for a black and white.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV.