Hain pours cold water on TV debate

Cabinet minister Peter Hain has poured cold water on the prospect of a US-style televised leaders' debate in the forthcoming general election campaign.

Speculation that Gordon Brown may be ready to become the first incumbent of 10 Downing Street to agree to a debate was sparked when Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said this week he did not think the Prime Minister "would have a problem" with the idea.

David Cameron wrote to the PM asking him make his view clear on a debate, which the Conservative leader said would "help to energise our democratic process, engage the electorate and restore trust in politics".

These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.

Send this article by email

Recipient's email address

Your name