BBC drops TV debate plan

THE prospect of a TV Brexit debate appeared to be in tatters last night after Jeremy Corbyn refused to take part.

Theresa May had agreed to a Sunday night clash, which would also have featured a panel discussion.

But the BBC pulled the plug when the Labour leader insisted instead on a head-tohead debate on ITV.

Last night, there were hopes that the plans could be revived after No10 suggested Mrs May might agree to the ITV option – if it opens up the format to other voices. A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Corbyn and Labour had done nothing but raise ‘false and flimsy objections’ to the BBC’s proposal.

‘We will continue to press for a format that ensures a range of voices are heard alongside a substantial head-to-head,’ the spokesman added.

The BBC had proposed a panel discussion with other MPs and commentators to accommodate a range of views on Brexit.