Boris Johnson wades into TV debate row with call for Brexit supporter to take part
2 min read
Boris Johnson has waded into the row over plans for a TV debate between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn by demanding that someone who campaigned for Brexit should also take part.
The Prime Minister has said she is keen to take part in a showdown with the Labour leader before MPs vote on her Brexit deal on 11 December.
Labour have also said Mr Corbyn "relish a head-to-head debate with Theresa May about her botched Brexit deal and the future of our country".
But Mr Johnson said there would be “no point” in a debate which only featured politicians who campaigned and voted for Remain in the 2016 referendum.
A source close to Mr Johnson insisted he was not putting himself forward for the debate, and said he would like to see former Labour MP Gisela Stuart - who chaired the Vote Leave campaign - do it.
The leaders of the SNP, Liberal Democrats and Green Party have also demanded to be involved.
Lib Dem boss Vince Cable told PoliticsHome: “For the first time in years, Boris is right. The debate Theresa May has proposed is futile.
“I will debate anybody on Brexit, but the real argument now is between this - the only deal on the table - and going back to the country in a People’s Vote, with an option to remain in the EU.”
The row comes as Mrs May embarks on a tour around the UK in an attempt to avoid a seemingly-inevitable Commons defeat on her plan in two weeks' time.
Mrs May told The Sun: "I am going to be explaining why I think this deal is the right deal for the UK - and yes, I am ready to debate it with Jeremy Corbyn. Because I have got a plan. He hasn’t got a plan."
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