Menu
23/01/2015
Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates.
The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
The party leaders have been formally invited to take part in the debates, however if any decide not to participate the debates would take place with those who accepted the invitation.
In a statement the broadcasters said: "BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 remain committed to holding election debates in the General Election campaign. Following meetings with the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP representatives, it has not been possible to come to an agreement on the original proposal put forward by the broadcasters in October 2014.
"Since October the broadcasters have together and individually had a number of meetings and conversations with the parties invited to take part, the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and UKIP, and also discussions and correspondence with the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party. All these discussions have been constructive and useful in informing our thinking about the debates.
"Over the three months since the original proposal was put forward, the broadcasters have also continued to monitor the electoral landscape, as we promised to do, taking into account the polling evidence, and the expressions of public support for the debates to go ahead and for a wider range of parties to be included in the debates.
"In view of these factors, the broadcasters are now inviting party leaders to take part in the following debates within the official election campaign and approximately two weeks apart."
(CD/IT)
The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
The party leaders have been formally invited to take part in the debates, however if any decide not to participate the debates would take place with those who accepted the invitation.
In a statement the broadcasters said: "BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 remain committed to holding election debates in the General Election campaign. Following meetings with the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP representatives, it has not been possible to come to an agreement on the original proposal put forward by the broadcasters in October 2014.
"Since October the broadcasters have together and individually had a number of meetings and conversations with the parties invited to take part, the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and UKIP, and also discussions and correspondence with the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party. All these discussions have been constructive and useful in informing our thinking about the debates.
"Over the three months since the original proposal was put forward, the broadcasters have also continued to monitor the electoral landscape, as we promised to do, taking into account the polling evidence, and the expressions of public support for the debates to go ahead and for a wider range of parties to be included in the debates.
"In view of these factors, the broadcasters are now inviting party leaders to take part in the following debates within the official election campaign and approximately two weeks apart."
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 January 2015
Leaders Warn PM TV Debates Will Go Ahead
Party leaders are warning PM David Cameron they will go ahead with televised debates even if he refuses to participate. It follows an announcement by the Prime Minister that he would not take part in any televised debates unless the Green Party was included.
Leaders Warn PM TV Debates Will Go Ahead
Party leaders are warning PM David Cameron they will go ahead with televised debates even if he refuses to participate. It follows an announcement by the Prime Minister that he would not take part in any televised debates unless the Green Party was included.
14 October 2014
Labour To Boycott 'English Votes' Discussions
Labour has said that it will boycott any body established to examine the role of English MPs, saying that it would not take part in discussions on "English votes for English laws". The party made its stance clear as the Commons debates devolution, discussing more power for Scotland following the rejection of the independence referendum.
Labour To Boycott 'English Votes' Discussions
Labour has said that it will boycott any body established to examine the role of English MPs, saying that it would not take part in discussions on "English votes for English laws". The party made its stance clear as the Commons debates devolution, discussing more power for Scotland following the rejection of the independence referendum.
08 September 2004
Campaigning for Afghan presidential elections begins
The campaign for Afghanistan's first open presidential election in its history formally began today, with 18 candidates heading off on the stump for the next 30 days.
Campaigning for Afghan presidential elections begins
The campaign for Afghanistan's first open presidential election in its history formally began today, with 18 candidates heading off on the stump for the next 30 days.
13 October 2014
UKIP Leader To Be Included In Televised Debate
Nigel Farage is understood to have been invited to take part in a televised debate ahead of the next general election. Three televised debates are planned. One will feature the Prime Minister and Labour leader Ed Miliband; another will see Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg joining the debate; and a fourth will also feature Mr Farage.
UKIP Leader To Be Included In Televised Debate
Nigel Farage is understood to have been invited to take part in a televised debate ahead of the next general election. Three televised debates are planned. One will feature the Prime Minister and Labour leader Ed Miliband; another will see Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg joining the debate; and a fourth will also feature Mr Farage.
21 January 2005
Kilroy-Silk announces departure from UKIP
Former chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk has announced his departure from the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Mr Kilroy-Silk had been a member of the UKIP for nine months. He helped the party to gain third place in last year's European elections when he became an MEP.
Kilroy-Silk announces departure from UKIP
Former chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk has announced his departure from the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Mr Kilroy-Silk had been a member of the UKIP for nine months. He helped the party to gain third place in last year's European elections when he became an MEP.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
