UK Government rejects calls to include Adam Price and Nicola Sturgeon in TV Brexit debate

Downing Street has said that a TV debate on Brexit between Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May should not include any another party leaders.

David Lidington, Minister for the Cabinet Office, told the Times that it was a debate “between the leaders of the two biggest parties at Westminster”.

Earlier today Theresa May formally challenged Jeremy Corbyn to the debate as she began a tour around the UK, starting at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells.

Plaid Cymru, the SNP, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party had said that if a debate took place, they should be included.

Some argued that the debate would be largely pointless if only Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn took part.

“Given that May and Corbyn agree about leaving EU, ending free movement, leaving the single market and disagree mainly about Customs Unions, will it ever happen?” asked Sam Coates, the Times’ Deputy Political Editor.

If the debate took place it is unlikely the views of those who want a People’s Vote and those who want a Hard Brexit would be heard.

Theresa May told the Sun today the format of the debate would be “a matter for broadcasters to determine”, but she was ready for the challenge.

But excluding other party leaders might make it tricker for broadcasters, who are bound by some rules on representation.