![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SEC_274425268-0572.jpg\")
\n\t\tKirstie Allsopp and Michael Rosen got into an online back-and-forth (Picture: Getty\/ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tKirstie Allsopp and Michael Rosen got into an online back-and-forth (Picture: Getty\/ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
Kirstie Allsopp<\/a> has ignited a back-and-forth with Michael Rosen<\/a> on X<\/a> after she complained about his use of a Freedom Pass to travel in London<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 54-year-old Location, Location, Location<\/a> presenter hit out at 79-year-old We\u2019re Going On A Bear Hunt author Rosen on Friday, in a tweet that has now been viewed 2million times.<\/p>\n Rosen had taken to his own social media<\/a> account to complain about his Transport for London (TfL)<\/a> Freedom Pass not working and being unable to get a replacement from the official website.<\/p>\n Allsopp then retweeted this, posting: \u2018A 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.<\/p>\n \u2018People have to stop taking things they do not need, it is wrong and it is bankrupting our country.\u2019<\/p>\n The post has since received over a thousand comments, with Rosen himself weighing in to respond, noting he also uses the NHS and his children have gone to state schools.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t But Allsopp said that was \u2018not the same\u2019, adding: \u2018You do not need to travel for free, you can afford to pay, older travels [sic] can get discounts, like students, but accepting free travel is wrong.\u2019<\/p>\n Rosen added: \u2018But you\u2019ve explained that you know my income (and my responsibilities) ie my income flow, so you must also know whether I could afford private health<\/a> insurance and\/or private education.\u2019<\/p>\n Allsopp then replied, saying that private healthcare and education \u2018costs a great deal more than travel on the tube or buses\u2019.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhat is a Freedom Pass?\t\t\t<\/p>\n Anyone who lives in a London borough and is over 66 or disabled is entitled to a Freedom Pass, according to TfL.\u00a0<\/p>\n The pass allows travellers to use London buses, trams and trains, including the Tube for free. It also gives discounts for river boats and Santander Cycles.<\/p>\n The pass can also be used to travel for free on buses, trams and trains after 9am and on National Rail trains after 9.30am. You can travel for free anytime on weekends and public holidays.<\/p>\n While certain X users replied to Rosen\u2019s initial tweet echoing Allsopp, several others disagreed with her.<\/p>\n Simone-Lee Deal replied, describing it as a \u2018spiteful comment\u2019, adding: \u2018Michael travels to give unpaid talk to school kids. Free bus passes provide paid work for drivers, keep old people mentally and physically fit by going out and spending and therefore out of hospitals and GP surgeries. Also keeps some unsafe drivers off-road.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Meanwhile, @KLovesbooks1 described the take as a \u2018poor choice\u2019, adding: \u2018What an unnecessary and vindictive post. There are so many grifters in the public sphere and you choose to single out an author who\u2019s enriched the lives of countless children (and adults) and launched their reading careers.\u2019<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the first time Kirstie\u2019s tweets have sparked a backlash. <\/p>\n Back in 2022, she infamously claimed young people could afford a house if they simply gave up certain luxuries. <\/p>\n This prompted a wave of fury from people claiming she was out of touch. <\/p>\n Got a story?<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SEI_261184963-c190.jpg\")
\n\t\tAllsopp objected to Rosen using the Freedom Pass (Picture: Ken McKay\/ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"Editorial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SEI_192685022-f56a.jpg\")
\n\t\tRosen replied noting he has also used public healthcare and education services (Picture: Ken McKay\/ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n![\"Ellie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2207700240-4904.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Freedom Pass gives those over 66 free London travel (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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