MP joins cross party call for telephone 'Happy Hour' for the elderly

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined over 40 MPs in signing a cross-party letter to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, calling for a 'Happy Hour' of free phone calls for over 75s.

The initiative aims to stop the most vulnerable people from also being the most isolated.

The MPs say that with elderly people at such a higher risk of loneliness, they shouldn't be forced to choose between staying in contact with their loved ones and paying their bills.

They are calling for all telephone networks to make calls free of charge for at least one hour a day for their over 75 customers.

Tim said: "With 2 million pensioners living in poverty and so many more at risk due to this crisis, it is our responsibility as a nation to make sure we're not isolating this vulnerable population even further."

"Happy Hour calls will help older people to stay in touch with their loved ones and avoid loneliness during this global crisis.

"Alleviating just this little bit of financial pressure could make all the difference to someone struggling with loneliness right now"