Political leaders have lined up to criticise Theresa May’s decision not to take part in General Election TV debates.
The live shows draw millions of viewers and at today’s Prime Ministers Questions, Labour united with the SNP and Lib Dems to demand the Prime Minister make an appearance.
Facing Theresa May at the Despatch Box the first time since she called the election, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “The Prime Minister says we have a stronger economy and yet she can’t explain why people’s wages are lower today than they were 10 years ago. If she’s so proud of her record, why won’t she debate it?”
The Prime Minister replied that she debates Mr Corbyn every Wednesday during PMQs and will be taking the record of a proud Conservative Government out to the country.
It is unknown which TV channels will bid to host political leaders’ TV debates but they have been a feature of the General Elections in 2010 and 2015.
David Cameron took part in a seven-way debate but would not debate former Labour leader Ed Miliband head on.
Mrs May said for the 2017 General Election she would prefer to get her message out by knocking on voters doors in every part of the United Kingdom.
She said: “I will be taking out to the country in this campaign a proud record of a Conservative Government.”
Leader of the Scottish National Party in Westminster, Angus Robertston MP, said the Prime Minister was running scared from a televised debate against their leader Nicola Sturgeon.
Tim Farron, leader of the Lib Dems, said: “This election can change the direction of our country. The British public deserve to hear the party leaders set out their plans and debate them publicly.
“Why will she not debate those issues publicly now. What is she scared of.”
Mrs May replied: “I will be debating these issues publicly across the country as will every single member of the Conservative team.”
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