Miliband confirms he will accept new TV debates proposals

Ed Miliband has confirmed that he will accept the new TV debate proposals from broadcasters. Following David Cameron’s refusal to take part in debates unless the Green Party were invited, a new format was suggested yesterday including leaders from seven parties – the Greens among them.

With the inclusion of several parties who could potential eat into the Labour vote, some suggested that Ed Miliband would now try and stall negotiations. However, the Labour leader has confirmed that he has accepted the proposals and will appear.

Neither David Cameron nor Nick Clegg have yet made a statement on the revised format, although Labour say it is “surely now not possible” for the Prime Minister not to turn up.

A Labour spokeserson said:

“We will debate anyone the broadcasters choose to invite and we are pleased to see the clear proposal to have three debates all in the general election campaign.

“The broadcasters have obviously made a very significant move to adopt wholesale the Prime Minister’s proposals and it surely now not possible for him to maintain his opposition to participating in these debates.

“We relish the opportunity for Ed Miliband to take on David Cameron directly in a head to head debate.”