Debating the Leaders Debates
Sky, BBC and ITV have put together a joint proposal to Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg that would see each broadcaster take responsibility for one televised debate each. Sounds good. Three debates between the leaders of Britain’s three major political parties.
I suspect all debates will take place in England, most likely in London. This would be unfortunate. I suggest a little modification of the proposed debates that would make things a little fairer, a little more democratic, a little more interesting and a little more inclusive for those who don’t live in England – but whose votes could have an influence on what party (or parties) eventually form a government at Westminster.
I would like to see each a debate staged in a different part of the United Kingdom – one in England, Wales and Scotland. Doing so would enable the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru - both important parties in their respective lands – to stand at a fourth podium and speak to their voters on a national platform. This would allow the very future of the United Kingdom to be discussed – of vital importance in this post-devolution age - and help make the debates relevent beyond England.
Since Northern Ireland is dominated by the various NI parties it would prove difficult to include them but I’m sure a local one could be arranged. As to who might occupy the fourth seat in the English debate is up for discussion. Perhaps there shouldn’t be one instead enabling Brown, Cameron and Clegg to battle it out alone.
What we must not do however, as is suggested on ConHome, is try to exclude the Liberal Democrats and have a face off between Gordon Brown and David Cameron – as exciting a prospect as that might be. Nick Clegg is the leader in the UK’s third largest party and as such should be accorded equal status regardless if his party is likely to form a government or not.
If the debate on this occasion is held as a precursor of the next general election, would it not be most appropriate to have only the 3 main party leaders on it? Including the leaders of respective national parties would be more suited, it seems to me, for debates with a different agenda, and would make what would probably be a rushed proceeding more hectic. However, it is certainly a nice idea, and there’s no reason why issues involving these countries shouln’t be addressed. Hi Shane!
Hi, Adam. Thanks for the comment.
Of course, as it is a general election it is right that the three national parties should remain the focus. I was just considering ways that ‘minor’ parties from all parts of the UK could be involved. Perhaps the SNP and Plaid could feature in one of the debates if constitutional matters/devolution are to be discussed? If not then maybe some separate, more localised debates for Wales & Scotland instead with their representative leaders?
Yeah I reckon probably a good idea if those issues are to be discussed. I’d say if there are indeed to be quite a few different televised debates around this time, then why not whack out a different party representative on different occasions, respective national parties and the other smaller ones – Greens, ect. If it was intended to be only one televised debate though (I don’t know, y’see), then I’d stick to the three main guys.