Digital debate organisers press Cameron for clear answer 'as soon as possible'
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Version 0 of 1. The online party leaders’ debate consortium led by the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and YouTube has written to the prime minister pressing him for a clear answer on whether he is willing to join a proposed leaders’ debate next week. Speaking to BuzzFeed on Monday evening, David Cameron said he was up for a debate, but the digital debate team is now seeking a formal acceptance to give it time to finalise details for a debate on 26 or 27 March. In its letter, the consortium wrote to Cameron: “As you may know, our proposal has been well-received by the other parties and discussions about staging, format, and delivery of the feed online and to broadcasters are ongoing. However we await a formal response from your office to our invitation. “We note that in your interview with BuzzFeed on Monday you again indicated that you were favourably disposed towards a digital debate. You went on to say: ‘Everyone’s got to agree to it but I’ve said very clearly – multi-party debate before the campaign, where do I sign?’ “We agree with you that these debates should happen in the next couple of weeks, which is why we urge you to sign here. “The timescale for making a debate happen next week is compressed, but it is just possible if you commit to taking part. We would urge you to do so as soon as possible.” There is a concern that Cameron is leaving a decision so late there may not be time to agree the terms of the debate for broadcast by the end of next week. The digital debate team is offering a five-party debate involving the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Ukip and the Greens. It is understood detailed negotiations are under way with the political parties on issues such as format, presenters, venue availability to terrestrial television, audience participation and backdrops. After Cameron’s comments to Buzzfeed, the Liberal Democrats said they were interested in the idea, and there have been discussions with the Labour negotiators such as campaign coordinator Douglas Alexander. The Lib Dems said: “The public deserves to hear the prime minister defend his record in government and his future Conservative offer which involves massive cuts to public services. As a party committed to the idea of giving the public an honest and frank televised debate on the issues which matter to the British people, we will not allow David Cameron to dictate the terms of this important issue.” Cameron again ruled out a head-to-head debate with the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, saying: ”I debate Miliband every week at prime minister’s questions.” |