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Cameron moots 'all-party TV debates' at general election Cameron moots 'all-party TV debates' at general election
(35 minutes later)
David Cameron has set out his ideas for the format of any TV debates ahead of next year's general election.David Cameron has set out his ideas for the format of any TV debates ahead of next year's general election.
He told BBC News one debate could include the leaders of "all the parties. He told BBC News one debate could include the leaders of "all the parties".
Another might comprise just himself and opposition leader Ed Miliband, he said.Another might comprise just himself and opposition leader Ed Miliband, he said.
The prime minister has been under pressure to say whether he would debate with UKIP leader Nigel Farage on TV, but he said if UKIP were included the Green Party should be represented too.The prime minister has been under pressure to say whether he would debate with UKIP leader Nigel Farage on TV, but he said if UKIP were included the Green Party should be represented too.
He also confirmed that formal talks on possible formats had not yet started.He also confirmed that formal talks on possible formats had not yet started.
But Mr Cameron said he was confident that a deal could be reached.But Mr Cameron said he was confident that a deal could be reached.
Appearing on the BBC's Breakfast programme, Mr Cameron said: "I'm keen to have debates before the next election."Appearing on the BBC's Breakfast programme, Mr Cameron said: "I'm keen to have debates before the next election."
He raised concerns TV debates might take the life out of the rest of the general election campaign, which he argues happened in 2010, suggesting that the risk of this could be mitigated by holding the debates before the campaign begins.He raised concerns TV debates might take the life out of the rest of the general election campaign, which he argues happened in 2010, suggesting that the risk of this could be mitigated by holding the debates before the campaign begins.
'Formula''Formula'
Mr Cameron added: "I'm very keen to examine all the formats that we could have and I've suggested that perhaps we should have one debate with all the parties in, so that everyone can have their say, and perhaps we could have a debate where the two people who could actually be prime minister debate directly with each other.Mr Cameron added: "I'm very keen to examine all the formats that we could have and I've suggested that perhaps we should have one debate with all the parties in, so that everyone can have their say, and perhaps we could have a debate where the two people who could actually be prime minister debate directly with each other.
"I don't think you could have a party like UKIP, without an MP, without the Greens, who have got an MP. So there are quite a lot of issues that have to be ironed out.""I don't think you could have a party like UKIP, without an MP, without the Greens, who have got an MP. So there are quite a lot of issues that have to be ironed out."
"We can let our teams negotiate in the Autumn for the start of the TV debates before the next election," he added."We can let our teams negotiate in the Autumn for the start of the TV debates before the next election," he added.
Describing himself as "pro-TV debates", he concluded: "We've got to find the right formats, but I'm sure that if our teams sit down, they can come up with some sort of formula."Describing himself as "pro-TV debates", he concluded: "We've got to find the right formats, but I'm sure that if our teams sit down, they can come up with some sort of formula."
Labour has accused the Conservatives of dragging their heels on starting negotiations.Labour has accused the Conservatives of dragging their heels on starting negotiations.
According to reports in The Sunday Times, Mr Cameron is open to the idea of a "2-3-5" format drawn up by his aides.According to reports in The Sunday Times, Mr Cameron is open to the idea of a "2-3-5" format drawn up by his aides.
Under the plan, Mr Cameron would hold one head-to-head debate with Labour leader Mr Miliband, a second, which would also include Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, and a third with Mr Farage and the Green party leader Natalie Bennett.Under the plan, Mr Cameron would hold one head-to-head debate with Labour leader Mr Miliband, a second, which would also include Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, and a third with Mr Farage and the Green party leader Natalie Bennett.
'Obstacle' 'Gender balance'
The newspaper suggested one of the debates would be held during the campaign, with the others beforehand.The newspaper suggested one of the debates would be held during the campaign, with the others beforehand.
Ms Bennett told the BBC she would be "delighted" to debate her party's "strong set of policies" with the other leaders "any time, anywhere, any place".
"We represent a large number of views that are not represented elsewhere in British politics, such as renationalisation of the railways, which is supported by 68% of the public," she said.
"Also, let's face it, this is the only way we're going to get any gender balance in the debates."
Last month, Mr Miliband said the 2010 format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to moves such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.Last month, Mr Miliband said the 2010 format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to moves such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.
In an article for The Radio Times, he called for immediate negotiations, accusing Mr Cameron of being the "single biggest obstacle" to them going ahead.In an article for The Radio Times, he called for immediate negotiations, accusing Mr Cameron of being the "single biggest obstacle" to them going ahead.
Mr Farage said: "What David Cameron does, very often he makes these promises, vague promises, and then doesn't actually deliver afterwards.Mr Farage said: "What David Cameron does, very often he makes these promises, vague promises, and then doesn't actually deliver afterwards.
"I don't think he has got any intention of allowing me into any of these debates.""I don't think he has got any intention of allowing me into any of these debates."
Opinion polls suggested Mr Farage beat Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg in two debates ahead of this month's European elections.Opinion polls suggested Mr Farage beat Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg in two debates ahead of this month's European elections.