Cambell calls for Brown to face TV debate

12.44.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 19th May 2007

Campbell challenges Gordon Brown to a TV debate.

A televised debate was held in the recent French presidential elections and this is an example to follow. Gordon Brown should take part in a series of head-to-head television debates with opposition leaders, Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that he wants a public showdown after the chancellor was elected Labour leader unopposed. The idea is backed by Conservative leader David Cameron, who says a TV debate would "bring politics to life".

Televised debates between politicians are common practice in the United States and elsewhere, but Tony Blair refused to take part in any during his three general election campaigns. Sir Menzies went a step further, calling on Mr Brown to be quizzed on camera before he enters No 10 on 27 June. In a letter to the chancellor, he said people were being deprived of discussion over his "vision for the country" and needed to hear his views on poverty, the environment, crime, pensions and Iraq.