FACT CHECK: Has The UK Government Announced Free Bus Fares For Immigrants?
An image shared on Facebook claims the U.K. government has announced free bus fares for immigrants.
Verdict: False
There is no evidence to support the claim. Both Logically Facts and U.K.-based outlet Full Fact have debunked the claim.
Fact Check:
Starmer said he has “no plans” to join the social media platform Bluesky, according to BBC News. The platform has seen increasing popularity following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, as many social media users are leaving X, the platform previously known as Twitter, the outlet reported.
The Facebook image claims the U.K. government has announced free bus fares for immigrants.
“It’s obvious now why bus fares go up to £3,” text overlay on the image begins. “Shortly after they announced free bus fares for immigrants. You are paying for there [sic] ride,” it continues. The image features U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer but does not provide a source to support its claim.
The claim is false. While an October 2024 article from BBC News indicates single bus fares in the U.K. are set to increase to £3 as a result of the upcoming budget, it does not mention anything about free bus fares for immigrants.
Likewise, U.K. Transport Secretary Louise Haugh recently said the £3 cap will be in place until December 2025 but did not repeat the claim about free bus fares for immigrants, according to Sky News.
An October 2024 press release from the U.K. government announcing the £3 cap reiterates the measure will be active until the end of 2025, but also does not reference the purported claim about free bus fares for immigrants. (RELATED: No, Millions Of Households In UK Are Not Being Asked To Shut Off Power As Part Of Energy Secretary’s Plan)
In addition, Check Your Fact found no credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. Both Logically Facts and Full Fact debunked the claim via respective articles published in November 2024. Starmer also does not appear to have publicly commented on the claim.
Check Your Fact has contacted Starmer’s office for comment.
