United Kingdom

Mrs May’s refusal to agree to election debates failed to stop both the BBC and ITV pressing ahead with plans to stage them without her.

Television debates have, over the last seven years, become an immovable feature of the British political landscape. A staging post on the way to the polling station, a focal point on the journey to government or opposition – and, most importantly of all, a chance to speak more-or-less directly to

“Our answer is no,” a No 10 source told the Guardian when asked about whether the prime minister would join any TV debates before the 8 June election.

Theresa May will refuse to take part in televised leaders’ debates in the run-up to the June 8 general election, Number 10 sources have indicated.

The Green Party has today, 24th February 2017, welcomed the news that the BBC has reviewed its programme of election coverage and that the usual reaction discussion immediately following the Leaders’ Debate is to be reinstated.

Green Party Leader Steven Agnew has accused the BBC of “clear bias against non-traditional parties” after his party’s exclusion from an election debate to be broadcast on February 28.

Zac Goldsmith was an hour late for the final debate of the Richmond by-election because one of his campaign team accidentally ran him over on the way to the event.

Loud boos, cheers and heckling characterised Thursday’s meeting, the first of several debates ahead of a postal vote by members that will see the victor crowned on September 24.

Leading names from both sides of the EU referendum have traded blows in a live TV debate at Wembley Arena on the eve of the final day of campaigning.

Representing Leave, Boris Johnson, Labour MP Gisela Stuart and energy minister Andrea Leadsom went head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, and general secretary of the Trades Union Congress Frances O'Grady for Remain.

Boris Johnson will face an all-female team of Remain campaign opponents during a TV debate on the EU this week as David Cameron's camp attempts to neutralise the former Mayor and win over women.