David Cameron sidesteps TV debates citing Greens exclusion
Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to take part in a series of televised debates between the party leaders after emerging as an unlikely champion for the Green party.
Speaking to the BBC Cameron said his podium would be empty during the televised question and answer session unless an invitation found its way to Green party leader Natalie Bennett to stand alongside him.
Citing fairness he said it wasn’t right that ‘some minor parties like the Liberal Democrats and UKIP’ had secured plum spots whilst others had not. Moreover the PM further suggested that if the debates do take place at all they should do so outwith the official campaign period.
Sceptics suggest that this move is merely a ruse to avoid squaring off against his rivals on TV at all, something polling experts predict is likely to benefit Cameron’s political opponents.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage accused Cameron of ‘running scared’ following the remarks whilst Labour leader Ed Milliband said he was ‘chickening out’. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg meanwhile repeated a demand that Cameron take part.
A suggested schedule for the debates envisages the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and UKIP going head to head on 2 April, 16 April and 30 April, before the general election on 7 May.