Why Is Cameron So Keen To Include The Green Party In Any Televised Debate

[sandyRoe]

?

[sandyRoe]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30808252

[jno]

either (a) so as not to look unfair; or

(b) because he knows it's not going to happen and is looking for a way not to appear in debates himself.

Some analysis here:

http://www.theguardian.com/news/reality-check/2015/jan/14/david-cameron-tv-leaders-debate-explainer

[ludwig]

Also because he knows that if the Greens look really good in the debate they'll pick up votes primarily from Labour and Lib supporters, which is of course why Miliband and Clegg don't just agree to it.

[ichkeria]

The other parties are quite happy for the Greens to be there.
It wasn't their decision not to allow them to take part

[MargoTester]

As a matter of interest who decides who will be in the debates? What are the criteria?

[ichkeria]

There was an OFCOM recommendation to allow Con, Lab, LibDem and UKIP. But it is not binding. The broadcasters can invite who they like

[ludwig]

// The other parties are quite happy for the Greens to be there.
It wasn't their decision not to allow them to take part //

They should probably support the PM then, and say 'good idea - In the interests of fairness we'd like the Greens to be included as well'.

I don't hear them doing that.

[jagjag]

The greens are ahead of the lib dems in the polls, so no wonder Nick clegg is kicking up.

[saintpeter48]

Oh how times change. Speaking in 2009 Mr Cameron said: “I think it is a thoroughly good thing that these debates are going to take place. I've been pushing for two years for this to happen, I've always believed in live television debates. I think they can help enliven our democracy, I think they will help answer people's questions, I think they will help crystallise the debate about the change this country needs and I'm delighted that they are taking place''. So why are you running scared now Cameron, is it because Farage will run rings round you!!!

[chrissa1]

Why don't the broadcasters just ask them, then?

[ludwig]

// Why don't the broadcasters just ask them, then? //

Don't know. Probably because they don't want Cameron to be seen as dictating the rules of their program, probably because they're worried about every other small party claiming they should get a place.

It's all a bit farcical really.