David Cameron agrees to single seven-way debate
The Tory leader says he will take part in one seven-way TV debate between all the party leaders. But Labour wants him to participate in two more debates, including a head to head with Ed Miliband.
The debate would take place on 2 April, during the election campaign. Mr Cameron claims it is a new deal put forward by the broadcasters – which Labour were trying to veto.
But not according to Labour, who think the original plan for three pre-election debates still stands. They declared Mr Cameron’s agreement today was simply “one down, two to go”.
Channel 4 News Political Correspondent Michael Crick said it amounted to a “consensus” – not an agreement – between the broadcasters and the two coalition parties, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, that there should be one big debate involving seven parties and lasting 90 minutes, on ITV on Thursday 2 April.
“Labour are not happy with that idea,” said Michael Crick, “although David Cameron certainly is.”
‘Deal accepted’
David Cameron said: “An offer’s been made, a deal’s been accepted. Now the other parties must make clear that they accept this deal, too — otherwise they will have to bear the responsibility.”
But Labour campaign chair Douglas Alexander MP said the Conservative leader had now conceded he would participate on one debate. “We now want him to accept the broadcasters’ proposals for two other debates, including a head-to-head debate with Ed Miliband.
“I really don’t know why the prime minister’s so scared.”
