Labour minister goes bright red live on GMB as Ed Balls rages 'say yes!'
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Good Morning Britain viewers noticed Heidi Alexander's face turning progressively red during her appearance on Wednesday's edition of the programme. The Transport Secretary was grilled by presenters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid on a number of issues, including Sir Mark Rowley's warning about the impact of government budget cuts on frontline policing and whether bus concessions for pensioners are secured for the next three years.
By the time she was asked about bus concessions towards the end of the interview, the Labour politician appeared completely flustered compared to when she started. Her rosy appearance didn't go unnoticed by viewers as one wrote on X: "She's going a bit red," as another echoed: "Is she blushing?"
Back in December, the Transport Secretary said she had "absolutely no plans" to take away free bus travel for pensioners. After playing a clip of Alexander's remarks, Balls declared: "As you know, the phrase 'no plans' always rings an alarm bell because I hear no plans and think, 'I know but, does that mean they've got a plan?'
"Here's your moment. You've got your settlement. Are free bus concessions for pensioners secure for the next three years for this parliament?"
Alexander responded: "In the discussions that I've had with the treasury, I have not proposed to make any changes to the English National Concessionary Fare Scheme which is the scheme that provides free travel to older people."
She declared: "There isn't any suggestion whatsoever that as a result of this spending review process that I will be making changes to the bus passes for pensioners."
Ed couldn't resist making a cheeky swipe at the Labour government after they went back on their decision to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners.
"So unlike the winter fuel allowance, no need for U-turns. Free bus travel for pensioners is secure for parliament? I think the answer is yes," the presenter said.
As Alexander responded, he demanded: "Yes. Say yes!"
The politician avoided giving a direct answer, instead responding: "This gives me an opportunity to remind your viewers that the prime minister has said, given that the economy is picking up, that he does want to review the eligibility for the winter fuel allowance and see whether we can make it available to more people, beyond those who are on pension credit.
