SNP demand Sturgeon is in TV debate on EU deal

The SNP has written to bosses at Sky News calling for Scotland’s First Minister to be involved in any live televised debates on Brexit.

Reports suggested Prime Minister Theresa May would challenge Jeremy Corbyn to a TV showdown on her deal, although Downing Street would not confirm it had any plans to do so.

The Labour leader said he would “relish a headto-head” with Mrs May to discuss the withdrawal agreement she brought back from Brussels.

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted she would be “up for a full leaders’ debate on the deal”. And Keith Brown, the SNP’S depute leader, said in a letter to Sky the public should have the chance to discuss and scrutinise “all of the options that are being put forward”, including the SNP’S position of continued single market and customs union membership.

“Sky News are right to look to stage a televised Brexit debate, but wrong to want to host a head-tohead debate between May and Corbyn,” Mr Brown said. “The First Minister of Scotland needs be involved if there is to be a truly representative televised debate.”