Friday, 23 January 2015

The TV Debates Will Happen Whether Or Not David Cameron Agrees To Take Part

The prime minister last week refused to take part unless the Greens were involved. Now they are.

AFP / Getty Images AFP

The televised debates between the party leaders are set to take place regardless of whether David Cameron agrees to the new proposals.

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky released a revised set of proposals on Friday which said the broadcasters would "empty chair" the prime minister by going ahead without him if he refused to take part.

Cameron last week refused to take part on the basis that the Greens were polling at substantial levels and should therefore also be included in the debate.

Now broadcasters have come back with revised proposals for three debates to take place in April, two of which would see seven party leaders sharing the stage:

Two separate debates with BBC and ITV would see Cameron (Conservatives), Ed Miliband (Labour), Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats), Nigel Farage (UKIP), Natalie Bennett (Greens), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru) share one stage.

The other debate would be produced by Channel 4 and Sky News and showcase a one-on-one between Cameron and Miliband.

In 2010, broadcasters for the first time held televised debates where party leaders responded to questions about their policies and voters were given a chance to hear from the leaders who might be the next prime minister.

Tens of millions viewed the debates, and so the broadcasters have decided to do them again before this year's general election in May.

But the Conservatives have yet to comment on whether Cameron is more or less likely to take part as a result of the new proposals.

A spokesperson for the party said: "These new proposals are being considered as part of the ongoing discussions about the debates."