Corbyn TV showdown with May is scrapped

Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn look unlikely to face off in a televised Brexit debate ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Commons vote after ITV announced it had scrapped its plan to broadcast it.

The network withdrew after Labour and the Conservatives had spent days rowing over whether to accept its offer of a head-to-head or accept a rival bid from the BBC.

The BBC, which was favoured by Number 10, had already pulled out of the running to host a Sunday night programme featuring other voices as well as the two party leaders.

ITV, whose one-onone format was favoured by Labour, yesterday announced it too was abandoning plans for the programme.

The decision means the only programme due to go ahead on Sunday is to be broadcast on Channel 4, which will show The Real Brexit Debate, featuring “four high-profile politicians” reflecting a range of opinions from across politics.

Labour accused Mrs May of “running scared”.