May boycotts TV debate as election looms

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May boycotted a primetime television debate on Wednesday, just days before the June 8 general election, prompting accusations of a floundering campaign as polls slashed her ruling Conservative party’s lead.

The pound wobbled overnight after a shock projection forecast that May – who had been on course for a landslide just a few weeks ago – could actually lose her majority in the House of Commons after next week’s vote.

May called the election three years early in a bid to strengthen her hand going into Brexit talks, which are due to begin on June 19.

Although the YouGov model has a wide margin of error, and was met with some scepticism in Westminster, it adds to polls showing the opposition Labour gaining ground.

May refused from the start to take part in any head-to-head debate, and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had said he would not take part without her.

But he changed his mind just hours before the live BBC hustings on Wednesday – and said May was treating voters with “contempt” by failing to join him.

Her decision to send senior minister Amber Rudd was “another sign of Theresa May’s weakness, not strength”, Corbyn said.

Tim Farron, leader of the smaller Liberal Democrats, told voters: “You’re not worth Theresa May’s time. Don’t give her yours.”

But May had earlier told a campaign rally that “debates where the politicians are squabbling among themselves doesn’t do anything for the process of electioneering”.

“It’s actually about getting out and about, meeting voters and hearing directly from voters,” the prime minister said.

The debate itself was a boisterous affair, covering Brexit, the economy, public services, climate change, immigration and security – a major issue after the Manchester attack last week. – AFP