TV debate offer still open

An offer to Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn to take part in a TV leaders’ debate remains open despite their refusal to appear on the programme.

ITV said that its invitation to all seven party leaders would extend until the live televised showdown on Thursday evening in Salford.

The Prime Minister and Labour leader have ruled out being involved, but Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and Ukip’s Paul Nuttall have said they will take part.

The leaders of the seven parties represented in the 2015 ITV Leaders’ Debate – the Conservatives, Labour, SNP, Liberal Democrats, Ukip, Plaid Cymru and the Greens – have been invited to attend.

They will be able to make short opening and closing statements at the beginning and end of the programme, and then face questions from the audience.

However, the broadcaster will not “empty chair” any leaders who do not attend, stating that there will be the “right number of podiums for leaders who attend on the night”.

Mrs May has repeatedly refused to take part in TV debates, while Mr Corbyn has said he will not take part in a televised showdown if it only involved opposition leaders.