Brown side-steps call for TV debate

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Gordon Brown has ducked calls to say whether he would take part in a televised leaders' debate during the next general election.

Speaking during a visit to the Olympic Park in East London, the prime minister insisted it was too early to discuss such matters.

Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg have already agreed to take part in any debate.

But Brown stated: "I'm happy to do debates all the time, but we're not at the point of having a general election.

"When we get to that point, this will be something that we will discuss. There will come a time for these other things but it's not now."

Calls for a televised debate began after Sky News delivered letters to all three party leaders offering to stage the debate.

It said the debate would go ahead even if the prime minister declines to take part.

Clegg's chief of staff, Danny Alexander, said there was "no reason" why Brown could not confirm now that he would take part in the TV debate.

"Nick Clegg has said he looks forward to any such debate," he stated.

"Anyone who wants to lead this country should have the courage and commitment to make their case in front of an audience."

Clegg wrote on social networking site Twitter on Wednesday: "I relish the opportunity to take part in public debate."

And Cameron stated in a letter to Sky News: "I have long supported the idea of holding television debates at election time.

"I've pressed Gordon Brown about this in the House of Commons and I raised the issue with him again in a letter in July.

"The case for a televised debate is compelling: it would engage the public, help answer their questions, and bring a general election alive.

"I am delighted that Sky has taken the lead and is now organising a television debate, and I look forward to taking part."

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