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4 months ago
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The BBC has followed ITV’s lead by unveiling its plan for a general election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
The debate will take place more than three weeks after ITV’s on Wednesday June 26, hosted by broadcaster Sophie Raworth and called the “last TV debate of the election campaign, as people prepare to cast their votes the following week” by the BBC.
Prior to the head-to-head, the BBC will host a debate between leading figures from the seven biggest political parties in Great Britain this Friday and another with the leaders of the four biggest political parties on Thursday June 20.
Meanwhile, Today host Nick Robinson has invited all leaders of the seven biggest parties to be interviewed for Panorama specials over the next four weeks, and all eyes be on whether Sunak and Starmer accept the invitation.
“TV debates have become a key part of elections in the UK, giving voters the chance to hear leaders and senior politicians debate policies and ideas directly with each other, which rarely happens on the campaign trail,” said Jonathan Munro, Deputy CEO of BBC News. “The BBC brings people together. Providing a shared space for people to debate and discuss is a vital part of our mission, so I’m delighted we’re holding this series of debates and election specials, hosted by such talented presenters.”
The TV debates have been a source of speculation since the general election was announced by Sunak nearly two weeks ago, and ITV was quicker than the BBC to come out the blocks, with its debate taking place in two days’ time.
Sunak’s opposite number Starmer, who is miles ahead in the polls, has always said he will stick to only two head-to-heads, effectively shutting out Channel 4, Sky and Channel 5. Starmer is, however, taking part in a Sky-hosted leaders questions broadcast that Sunak is invited to but has yet to accept.
The BBC unveiled its July 4 election night coverage last week, which will be hosted by Clive Myrie and Laura Kuenssberg.
