Online debate proposal calls Cameron’s bluff and invites Green Party

A new joint proposal for a leaders’ debate has been put forward by the Guardian, the Telegraph and YouTube, with places offered to the leaders of five parties – including the Greens.

In October, broadcasters proposed a series of three TV debates: one between Farage, Clegg, Miliband and Cameron; one between Clegg, Miliband and Cameron; and one featuring only Miliband and Cameron. On Thursday evening however, David Cameron said he would not participate in debates that did not also include Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party.

Given Cameron’s well-known opposition to having debates this time around (backed up by adviser Lynton Crosby), few believe his announcement was about a commitment to democracy. Even Bennett reacted to the news with the preface: “Obviously David Cameron has his own political interests”.

The new suggestion is for an online debate, and the inclusion of the Greens is a clear reaction to Cameron’s comments in a concerted effort to make sure the debates go ahead. An open letter, which can be read here, has been sent to the leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, the Lib Dems, UKIP and the Greens, saying that an internet-based debate would reflect the fact that “the internet will be the main source of news for the majority of UK voters”.

The letter also suggests that “an online debate can be flexible as to formats and the number of leaders involved” – implying that it may be difficult to come up with a demand that could stop it going ahead.

Even the date, at this point, appears flexible, with none yet set – although sometime in late March appears to be the preference.