Jeremy Corbyn demands head-to-head with Theresa May in Brexit TV debates row
2 min read
Jeremy Corbyn has demanded head-to-head TV debates with Theresa May on Brexit, amid disagreements over the format and which broadcaster should host the event.
Downing Street first suggested the debates as part of the Prime Minister’s push to sell her Brexit deal to the country.
But the leaders have since clashed over the timings and format.
Number Ten reportedly favoured the BBC's bid to screen the clash on Sunday, 9 December, at 8pm - just two days before the crunch Commons vote on the Brexit deal the Prime Minister has struck with the EU.
But Mr Corbyn was rumoured to be pushing for the debate to be aired on ITV at the earlier time of 7pm due to fears the proposed schedule could clash with final of 'I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'.
Yesterday the Labour leader took to Twitter to confront the Prime Minister over the plan, claiming that “said she wanted a head to head debate with me on her botched Brexit deal and I am ready to do that.
He added that ITV had “a straightforward plan,” but said if she and her team preferred the BBC “she should join me in asking them to arrange an actual head-to-head debate”.
In a statement, the BBC said: "Our proposal is to broadcast a programme which includes both a head-to-head debate between the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition and also an opportunity to hear from a wider range of voices.
"After all, a broad range of views on this issue is held by the public and by Parliamentarians - from those who want a different form of Brexit to those who want another public vote - and we believe that should be reflected in the debate."
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