TV Leadership Debate Falters

Negotiations aimed at screening the first live television debate between the leaders of the main political parties appear to be faltering, as each party made conditions which were unacceptable to the others.

While both ITV and the BBC are keen to broadcast such a debate, it is looking increasingly unlikely that it will take place. Talks collapsed at the end of last week, after a Labour deadline passed without agreement being reached. Labour want an audience to be involved in any debate and are also keen to invite Paddy Ashdown to join in. The Conservatives do not want this. Labour is resistant to the Conservative condition that the leaders should be able to question each other.