Brown rejects TV debate with Cameron

The prime minister denies televised debate is necessary

Tuesday, 04, Sep 2007 12:00

Gordon Brown refused to submit to calls for a televised debate with opposition leader David Cameron in his second press conference as prime minister.

Mr Brown claimed the public had ample opportunity to listen to his policies during the weekly prime minister’s question time (PMQs) and denied there was a need for a live televised debate.

Speculation has been rife in the media that Mr Brown will call a snap-election this autumn to capitalise on Labour’s present poll advantage.

But the prime minister rejected these rumours, insisting he was concentrating on “the business of governing” at present.

Mr Brown said programmes such as Question Time allowed the public to see party leaders and other MPs debating evolving issues, a democratic opportunity which is not available in other countries such as France and the United States.

Today’s press conference saw journalists question the prime minister on a range of issues including recent market turbulence, engagement with Iran and the withdrawal of British troops from Basra Palace in Iraq.

Returning to the topic of a televised debate, Mr Brown was asked about a 1987 interview where he criticised Margaret Thatcher for refusing to debate with Neil Kinnock on TV.

Brown dodged the question and again insisted the platform provided by PMQs was sufficient exposure. He added that regular statements from Number 10 also kept the public updated about government policy.