TV debates to become statutory under Labour

Labour would move to ensure TV debates go ahead in future elections by making them a statutory requirement. Negotiations would still need to take place, but parties will not have the power to veto – in a similar fashion to the way party political broadcasts are currently run.

The aim is to limit the amount of politically motivated “gamesmanship” that Labour have accused David Cameron of in organising this year’s leaders’ debates, which are still uncertain to go ahead.

The Broadcasting Liaison Group who currently manage debate negotiations would be made a recognised legal body for deciding the dates and length of debates, as well as having charge over participation. Miliband will aim to make the changes by 2017, three years before the next election.

In today’s Observer, the Labour leader said the debates are “necessary in a healthy, modern democracy”. He said:

“In recent days the British public has been treated to the unedifying and tawdry spectacle of a Prime Minister seeking to duck out of the TV debates he once claimed to support with great enthusiasm.

“Yesterday the broadcasters made it clear they would not be cowed by his tactics but it is wrong for them and the British public to have governing parties use this kind of pressure in campaign periods.

“It is time to ensure, once and for all, that these debates belong to the people not the Prime Minister of the day. I am determined that no Prime Minister from whatever party should ever again be allowed to play fast and loose with these debates which are necessary in a healthy, modern democracy.

“It is time to do what so many other countries do and put on the planning of debates on a clearly established footing so that there can be no doubt that they will take place and people get the opportunity to make up their own minds about candidates for the post of Prime Minister.”