Willie Rennie calls for televised leaders’ debate in Scotland ahead of election

SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRAT leader Willie Rennie has called for a televised Scottish leaders’ debate in the run-up to the general election.

Mr Rennie said the Scottish people had the “right to hear from their political leaders” and criticised the Prime Minister’s decision not to take part in a TV debate.

He said: “I find it indefensible that that the Prime Minister has already ruled out a TV debate even though it was her that has called this election.

“This upcoming election is one of the most important that this country has ever had and for politicians to hide away from public scrutiny would be a disservice to the electorate.

“Over the next seven weeks, parties across the spectrum will be campaigning on several issues and the Scottish people have the right to hear from their political leaders.

“Within Scotland we have a range of issues that must be debated.

“From the impact of a hard Tory Brexit in Scotland to the SNP’s attempt to break up the UK; all areas must be under public scrutiny and a leaders’ debate would be the right thing to do.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats go into this election with a proud track record in these debates and I look forward to setting out a vision of a Britain that is open, tolerant and united.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also criticised Theresa May declining to take part in a TV debate.

She tweeted: “If PM doesn’t have the confidence to debate her plans on TV with other leaders, broadcasters should empty chair her and go ahead anyway.”

Mrs May told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We won’t be doing television debates.”

She said campaigning should be getting “out and about” meeting voters.

Scottish party leaders went head to head in televised debates during campaigning for the 2015 general election and last year’s Holyrood election.