Cowardly Cameron still trying to duck out of TV Debates

[-:Undertaker:-]

It looks like the Broadcasters are standing firm on this... this letter has just come out concerning the debates.

http://order-order.com/2015/03/06/br...rs-dont-blink/

We have given your proposal serious consideration but we don’t think it achieves the goal of providing our viewers with election debates that can properly explore a reasonably full range of issues.

We do, however, welcome the positive elements of your letter.

In light of that we propose the following:

We will continue to plan for the three TV debates on 2nd April, 16th April and 30th April as discussed extensively with all parties.

Sky and Channel 4 have already said they are prepared to host the two party debate on a different date if the leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties can agree. Failing that the broadcaster preparations will continue for 30th April.

The ITV debate on 2nd April and the BBC debate on 16th April will be produced and broadcast as planned. They will both be scheduled for 2 hours in peak time starting at 8pm.

The debate on 2nd April is just four days later than the period in which you have expressed a desire to debate and is more than a month before the election.

We very much hope that all invited leaders will participate in the broadcast debates. However, in the end all we can do — as impartial public service broadcasters — is to provide a fair forum for debates to take place. It will always remain the decision of individual leaders whether or not to take part.

The debates will go ahead and we anticipate millions of viewers will find them valuable as they did in 2010. Our invitations will remain open to all the invited leaders right up to broadcast. We’ll set no deadlines for final responses. We very much hope all the leaders will participate.

Tom Newton Dunn @tnewtondunn · 3h 3 hours ago

Breaking: No10 also stands firm on debates. Craig Oliver says broadcasters' response "disappointing",and will only talk about March 23 offer

Looks like he could be empty-chaired then. Not that it matters, Miliband and Clegg will still be there and they're pretty much identical to Cameron anyway.

[Chippiewill]

I'm curious how they'll go about empty-chairing Cameron for the two-way with Ed. A one-on-one interview for Ed would be comic Gold.

[The Don]

I'm curious how they'll go about empty-chairing Cameron for the two-way with Ed. A one-on-one interview for Ed would be comic Gold.

Somehow he'd still manage to come second

[Chippiewill]

I have a feeling that this recent dip for Tories might be the first blowback for Cameron: