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Call to include other party leaders in Corbyn versus May Brexit TV debate

26 Nov 2018 3 minute read
Theresa May. Picture: Jim Mattis (CC BY 2.0)

There are calls for any Brexit debate between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn to include other party leaders as well.

The Daily Telegraph said that Downing Steet is planning a TV debate, on a Sunday evening prime-time slot, shortly before parliament votes on the Brexit deal.

The Labour Party said that Jeremy Corbyn would “relish” the opportunity to debate with the Prime Minister about her “botched Brexit deal and the future of our country”.

But both the Green Party and Plaid Cymru have said that leaders from other parties in the House of Commons should be invited to make their case.

Caroline Lucas MP of the Green Party said that having a TV debate would be a good idea but that everyone’s views should be represented.

“It’s good to hear the Prime Minister is considering reaching out to the public with a TV debate on her bungled Brexit deal,” she said.

“But for this conversation about our collective future to have any semblance of democracy, it must represent the views of everyone.

“That means it must be cross-party, featuring a diverse range of voices representing every nation, as well as every stance on this deal and our relationship with the EU – not just the Government and an opposition party who are falling far short of actually opposing the Prime Minister’s approach.

“I stand ready to debate with all other parties, and make the case that a People’s Vote is now the only democratic way forward.”

‘Wales’ voice heard’

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said that a Corbyn v May debate would “hardly be much of a debate” as both were committed to Brexit.

“People must have every possible opportunity to judge the biggest decision this country will make for generations,” a spokesperson from the party said.

“A televised leaders’ debate on Brexit is just one simple step in that direction.

“Labour’s baffling Brexit policies and the Tories’ false promises will not stand the test of public scrutiny. It can hardly be much of a debate when both of them are committed to Brexit.

“Brexit started as a quarrel in the Conservative Party, but we all now face its catastrophic consequences. It is critical that we hear from the diverse range of voices that will be affected by Brexit.

“Wales has been sidelined throughout this process. We are ready to make sure Wales’s voice is heard in any TV debate.”


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