May looks weak in chickening out
How can Theresa May possibly allege she is stronger than Jeremy Corbyn when she chickens out over appearing on live television debates before the election?
The number of U-turns made by May in such a short period of time shows she isn’t strong but is a ditherer, while stronger world leaders must be rubbing their hands.
I doubt she can deliver the Brexit she wants and her arrogant words will fall on stony ground. Perhaps the real reason cowardly May does not want to appear alongside other party leaders is because she lacks the necessary debating skills – just like her predecessor ‘dodgy’ David Cameron, the one who caused this terrible mess in the first place. Bill Cook, Teignmouth, Devon
# Theresa May’s disgraceful refusal to participate in a televised political leaders’ debate is flagrantly contemptuous of democracy. The Tories are determined not to give Jeremy Corbyn any opportunity to demonstrate his leadership qualities and so counter the incessant character assassination to which he is mercilessly and unfairly subjected. This is Britain, the birthplace of democracy, not Turkey. The TV companies must stage a debate, whether May lowers herself to participate or not. Dr Richard House Stroud, Glos
# I’m delighted ITV is going ahead with at least one live debate as part of the general election campaign and I cannot understand why Mrs May has declined to participate.
I expect she’ll be forced to change her mind as it would be politically unacceptable for her to be absent from such a debate. That would be rightly interpreted as arrogance and contempt for the voting public. Tony Kenber, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
# This election must not just be about Brexit but so that we can get rid of this uncaring millionaire government which only looks after London and the wealthy. It must be about the whole of the UK and those who are suffering under austerity.
It is obvious why the Prime Minister won’t appear on a TV debate because at PMQs she never answers a question but just insults the opposition and utters soundbites that only appeal to the Tories. Frank Lee, Wigan, Lancs
# Any party that does not want to take part in TV leaders’ debates should be barred by those channels of any airtime at all. They should be prepared to have their manifestoes scrutinised in front of the public.
The TV debates are a record of all the lies they tell. Pete Cresswell Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
# Do we really want regular broadcasts of the political leaders arguing over their ‘promises’ to the voters in a series of live TV debates?
At the end of the day, the results will be just the same as before – promises and more promises, with money grabbed out of our pockets while the MPs lead a cosy life for another few years to enjoy their big pay packets and long holidays. Terry Duncan Bridlington, East Yorks
# Having called a snap election for June 8, Theresa May has refused to engage in television debates with other party leaders. This is nothing but political cowardice.
Nevertheless, both ITV and the BBC intend to go ahead with the debates.
I suspect that Theresa May might well reconsider her decision. Sasha Simic, North London