The PM has said no to TV debates

[arista]

Typical for Reserved Her


Reported on LBC Global Radio

[Cherie]

Why not? The people demand it :fist:

[Greg!]

WEAK!

[arista]

Why not? The people demand it :fist:



Not her style
I assume

[Withano]

Surely she can't stop others from debating her simply cos she's chicken?

[Shaun]

Probably finds it difficult to hide her inner lizard

[smudgie]

She has far too much to do...busy woman.

[Jack_]

Pathetic

I presume they'll be sticking to the attack messages of 'he doesn't sing the national anthem, he doesn't wear a tie, a threat to national security and your family's security' rather than debating policy, and the electorate will lap it up

[joeysteele]

She likely knows her deceit would be more exposed in live debates.
She should be made to since all others recently have given in to doing the debates.

Hopefully she will get due derision in the media for refusing then.
What does she intend to try to hide from voters that she cowardly runs away from the debate challenges.

[Cherie]

She has far too much to do...busy woman.

Not too busy for an election and wasting more tax payers money in these austere times it seems

[Withano]

She likely knows her deceit would be more exposed in live debates.


True

[Jack_]

This is the second Conservative PM that's been petty about the debates

Says it all

[reece(:]

Coward and afraid of the expose.

[smudgie]

Not too busy for an election and wasting more tax payers money in these austere times it seems

An election will hopefully mean the Brexit will be more straight forward and perhaps save money with less squabbling, if she wins that is.

[Braden]

Does this mean someone will be taking her place, or will the Conservatives have no voice for TV debates?

[Kizzy]

Because she's crap at being put on the spot, she needs a script to reel off the lies.

[Jack_]

Does this mean someone will be taking her place, or will the Conservatives have no voice for TV debates?

As of yet there's none scheduled so it could mean none at all, hopefully they go ahead and they just empty chair the silly bitch

But then again the broadcasters pandered to Cameron's whining back in 2015 so who knows

[Braden]

As of yet there's none scheduled so it could mean none at all, hopefully they go ahead and they just empty chair the silly bitch

But then again the broadcasters pandered to Cameron's whining back in 2015 so who knows

Oh okay, thanks for letting me know.

[Cherie]

I don't think she should be allowed to back out if one is scheduled, no excuses

[Jamie89]

She hasn't given a reason as far as I'm aware so I can only assume it's cowardice. Such strong leadership :bored:

[jaxie]

Because she's crap at being put on the spot, she needs a script to reel off the lies.

She walks all over Corbyn at PMQ's. :shrug:

[joeysteele]

She walks all over Corbyn at PMQ's. :shrug:

How, she never answers anything.

He is admittedly ineffective most weeks but he at least does his job and asks questions without resorting to personal insults.

That's all she can do is insult while not doing her job at all by actually answering the questions put.

[Brillopad]

How, she never answers anything.

He is adnittedly ineffective most weeks but he at least does his job and asks questions without resorting to personal insults.

That's all she can do is insult while not doing her job at all by actually answering the questions put.

Maybe because there is nothing significant to tell. I would rather wait for an accurate, informed answer than constant speculation. Saying too much too soon could potentially have a detrimental affect on negotiations.

[user104658]

Maybe because there is nothing significant to tell. I would rather wait for an accurate, informed answer than constant speculation. Saying too much too soon could potentially have a detrimental affect on negotiations.

Brillo I have a chocolate teapot to sell you, it is in perfect working condition and is Brexit branded so you know it's going to be good. £100. Also when you do the transfer... and I know this is a huge favour... but could you also send £10,000 because I am a Nigerian prince and I need money fast. My accounts are currently blocked but will be unblocked soon... when they are I will send you back £50,000 in just one week. While I have your attention... I'd also like you to know that I have recently developed a piece of software that allows you to win stock market trades with 90% accuracy! Wall Street Traders Don't Want You To Know About This One Amazing Tip.

[Brillopad]

Brillo I have a chocolate teapot to sell you, it is in perfect working condition and is Brexit branded so you know it's going to be good. £100. Also when you do the transfer... and I know this is a huge favour... but could you also send £10,000 because I am a Nigerian prince and I need money fast. My accounts are currently blocked but will be unblocked soon... when they are I will send you back £50,000 in just one week. While I have your attention... I'd also like you to know that I have recently developed a piece of software that allows you to win stock market trades with 90% accuracy! Wall Street Traders Don't Want You To Know About This One Amazing Tip.

We will see. Yeh of little faith.

[user104658]

We will see. Yeh of little faith.

It's not really about "seeing" though, is it? You just agree with and champion anything pro-Brexit, no matter what it is :joker:. Statistically, you're going to be right some of the time :shrug:. You're like LT with American Cops and Kate McCann.

[Kizzy]

She walks all over Corbyn at PMQ's. :shrug:

Name one issue she hasn't ignored, mocked or fake guffawed her way through as she has noting to come back with...

Have you watched PMQs... He asks a question, she doesn't answer it and then everyone for some reason starts laughing... it's bizarre!
It's like some bad 80s sitcom :/

[Brillopad]

It's not really about "seeing" though, is it? You just agree with and champion anything pro-Brexit, no matter what it is :joker:. Statistically, you're going to be right some of the time :shrug:. You're like LT with American Cops and Kate McCann.

Yes I champion pro-Brexit as I believe in it. You champion anti-Brexit because you are deeply cynical in my opinion and anti-Tory full-stop. If May said white you would say black.

[user104658]

Yes I champion pro-Brexit as I believe in it. You champion anti-Brexit because you are deeply cynical in my opinion and anti-Tory full-stop. If May said white you would say black.

I'm deeply cynical and sure in my cynicism because, as yet, I haven't been wrong. Maybe one day when I am I'll accept that I need to be more flexible. We'll bookmark the thread and revisit the issue if Brexit turns out to be a roaring success.

I suspect we'll be waiting a long time, though.

[Northern Monkey]

Name one issue she hasn't ignored, mocked or fake guffawed her way through as she has noting to come back with...

Have you watched PMQs... He asks a question, she doesn't answer it and then everyone for some reason starts laughing... it's bizarre!
It's like some bad 80s sitcom :/

I think alot of the criticism with Corbyns PMQ performances are that usually he doesn't push the PM on a single issue.She defelects his question and he then changes to another subject without pressing her.He is getting better at putting the pressure on now though.Although it could be too late for him now.When Labour get decimated in this election I can't see Corbyn lasting long.

[Livia]

There is 7 weeks to the election. Everyone in political parties will be running themselves ragged, there's not time for researchers and other political staff to make their particular party look informed as well as prepare for everything else that needs to be done.

During the last election I thought every party came off poorly after the debates.

[Withano]

During the last election I thought every party came off poorly after the debates.

I disagree, I thought the 7-sided debate was great and very telling. I went in to it wanting a Labour or Lib Dems result, and came out of it being fine with anything bar UKIP, as the other 6 came off rational and intelligent.

I'm disappointed in Mays decision. Someone could have talked on her behalf.

[Livia]

I disagree, I thought the 7-sided debate was great and very telling. I went in to it wanting a Labour or Lib Dems result, and came out of it being fine with anything bar UKIP, as the other 6 came off rational and intelligent.

I'm disappointed in Mays decision. Someone could have talked on her behalf.

I remember the excrutiating performance of Ed Miliband.

I've heard it said that politics is showbusiness for ugly people. I think that may be right in the USA, they're used to this kind of showmanship. I don't think it's something that we Brits do well, whichever party they represent. But I understand some people are disappointed.

[Cherie]

Whether there is any time for a debate to be organised remains to be seen, the sad fact is May has ruled participating out in favour of door knocking in her constituency, how very inclusive of her :umm2:

[Livia]

All MPs should be door-knocking in their constituencies. Lots of people never see their MP, or even know who represents them.

[Cherie]

All MPs should be door-knocking in their constituencies. Lots of people never see their MP, or even know who represents them.

Agreed, but she is the country's PM as well as being an MP in her constitutency

[jaxie]

Name one issue she hasn't ignored, mocked or fake guffawed her way through as she has noting to come back with...

Have you watched PMQs... He asks a question, she doesn't answer it and then everyone for some reason starts laughing... it's bizarre!
It's like some bad 80s sitcom :/

No I just mentioned PMQs because I never watch it.

[Northern Monkey]

From what i've been hearing she may have been advised not to do TV debates as in her position she has nothing to gain and more to lose by doing them.
The DP earlier was saying that some people think we may not have had a coalition government without Cleggs performances in the TV debates.I seem to remember Clegg doing well in those.It's probably the best move on her part.
Why would she do them if they'll provide her with no benefit.

[Livia]

Agreed, but she is the country's PM as well as being an MP in her constitutency

Actually, none of them are MPs once Parliament is dissolved.

[Cherie]

Actually, none of them are MPs once Parliament is dissolved.


She is still PM though, and as such should be reaching out to the country not just randomly selected homes.

[Cherie]

ITV confirm debate will take place

[Cherie]

From what i've been hearing she may have been advised not to do TV debates as in her position she has nothing to gain and more to lose by doing them.
The DP earlier was saying that some people think we may not have had a coalition government without Cleggs performances in the TV debates.I seem to remember Clegg doing well in those.It's probably the best move on her part.
Why would she do them if they'll provide her with no benefit.

Or she doesn't want to get involved as she would be arguing for a Hard Brexit which she has decided against, changing her stance on the single market would more or less kill off another SNP referendum, would resolve the NI border issue and there must be hugh pressure on her from London as well with banks taking their Headoffices to the EU to retain passporting rights.

[Livia]

She is still PM though, and as such should be reaching out to the country not just randomly selected homes.

I'm not sure her local constituents would feel the same way. They deserve her to be a constituency MP, on top of everything else. It's the party that fights elections, not the Prime Minister.

[smudgie]

The motion has gone through for the election.

[Tom4784]

It'd be a mistake for her not to do the debates, a bad performance wouldn't likely hurt her lead but refusing to take part certainly would so I hope she snubs them.

[arista]

ITV has said they will do one
with All the other party leaders

[joeysteele]

She is still PM though, and as such should be reaching out to the country not just randomly selected homes.

She should do them.
They have been done for the last 2 elections and all those leaders were willing to do them,as they are now too.

Those leaders were all elected by voters too,except for Natalie Bennett and now Paul Nuttall.
If they can manage to do them,so should she.

[MTVN]

Strange how TV debates are treated as an absolute must these days when there was never any form of tv debate in the numerous general elections before 2010. There's only been two elections in which we had them and even in 2015 Cameron only reluctantly agreed to a seven person one. It's pretty obvious that the serving PM will always have the most to lose and the least to gain from TV debates, look how well they worked out for Brown in 2010

[Kizzy]

I think alot of the criticism with Corbyns PMQ performances are that usually he doesn't push the PM on a single issue.She defelects his question and he then changes to another subject without pressing her.He is getting better at putting the pressure on now though.Although it could be too late for him now.When Labour get decimated in this election I can't see Corbyn lasting long.

If...

[DemolitionRed]

I think alot of the criticism with Corbyns PMQ performances are that usually he doesn't push the PM on a single issue.She defelects his question and he then changes to another subject without pressing her.He is getting better at putting the pressure on now though.Although it could be too late for him now.When Labour get decimated in this election I can't see Corbyn lasting long.

These are my frustrations with Corbyn. I believe his heart is in the right place and he's a passionate man when it comes to the politics he supports but on PMQ we see no energy, which gives people the impression that he's weak and fallible.

Great guy but not a leading spokesman.

[Kizzy]

I see that as a strength personally, he's too diplomatic to resort to playground mockery.

[Brother Leon]

But she's the powerful and demanding leader this country needs....


She's probably too busy slurping Trump to do them though tbf.

[DemolitionRed]

I see that as a strength personally, he's too diplomatic to resort to playground mockery.

I'd agree, except I believe the only way you can come over as a competent speaker of politics is to have a narcissistic/sociopathic personality. What you and me see is a genuine deep thinker, but we knew that long before he came into the spotlight. Its not us he needs to convince.

[Northern Monkey]

These are my frustrations with Corbyn. I believe his heart is in the right place and he's a passionate man when it comes to the politics he supports but on PMQ we see no energy, which gives people the impression that he's weak and fallible.

Great guy but not a leading spokesman.

He does seem to be getting the hang of it and looking stronger but is it too late?

[Kizzy]

I'd agree, except I believe the only way you can come over as a competent speaker of politics is to have a narcissistic/sociopathic personality. What you and me see is a genuine deep thinker, but we knew that long before he came into the spotlight. Its not us he needs to convince.

N_56I4AJb9g

[arista]

https://d2kmm3vx031a1h.cloudfront.net/MpKjzOJiRsGr0C0x8kUi_front20.jpg

[joeysteele]

I hope they do empty chair her.
She wanted this election but will not allow herself to be questioned by an audience live.

Since everyone else will, that will hopefully only fuel suspicion that she is not willing to be fully open with people.

Imagine if Corbyn,Farron or any other leader refused to do the debates,which have now been made part of UK General election media format.
Whether people like them or not.

She called this election, what on earth is she afraid of.
My supposition would be,she is worried her intended deceit of voters would be exposed in said debates.

Empty chair her, with preferably a notice saying the PM has nothing to say on any of the issues and refuses to be questioned.
Any other leader refusing would be rightly looked on with suspicion and ridiculed in the whole media.
This lady should be too.

[Livia]

I hope they do empty chair her.
She wanted this election but will not allow herself to be questioned by an audience live.

Since everyone else will, that will hopefully only fuel suspicion that she is not willing to be fully open with people.

Imagine if Corbyn,Farron or any other leader refused to do the debates,which have now been made part of UK General election media format.
Whether people like them or not.

She called this election, what on earth is she afraid of.
My supposition would be,she is worried her intended deceit of voters would be exposed in said debates.

Empty chair her, with preferably a notice saying the PM has nothing to say on any of the issues and refuses to be questioned.
Any other leader refusing would be rightly looked on with suspicion and ridiculed in the whole media.
This lady should be too.

Legally, that would be a BIG mistake. Right?

[Kazanne]

She'll be too busy talking to the people up and down the country.

[joeysteele]

She'll be too busy talking to the people up and down the country.

So will the others,they will be there however, Brown,Cameron and Miliband managed to get round the Country and still do debates, so why shouldn't she.

Imagine what she'd be saying if she was willing but Corbyn wasn't and used an excuse that he would be going up and down the Country.

She'd get to probably reach directly far more people in televised debates.

[smudgie]

She'll be too busy talking to the people up and down the country.

Yes, and getting on with Brexit at the same time.
She still has a country to run, unlike a normal run up to an election there is less time to organise space for debates.
I would prefer her to do the debates as she could hold her own, but I can see her reasoning behind not doing them.

[joeysteele]

Legally, that would be a BIG mistake. Right?

Obviously.
It is however what I will think as to her absence as I would any who refused to take part.

However yes, I could have expressed that better.
Well spotted.

I did actually smile when I saw your response.

[Brillopad]

I would imagine that as she is the PM whose job it is to evoke article 50 and negotiate a Brexit deal the debate could just turn into a personal attack on May and possibly detract from the election discussion in general. People will just be directing everything at her and no one else would be able to get a word in.

I don't really see the problem and feel anti-Brexit voters just want a chance to try to interrogate her and undermine the process.

[joeysteele]

Yes, and getting on with Brexit at the same time.
She still has a country to run, unlike a normal run up to an election there is less time to organise space for debates.
I would prefer her to do the debates as she could hold her own, but I can see her reasoning behind not doing them.

She won't be getting on with brexit at all.
She cannot, this election is to decide in part which Party gets to enact brexit and each Party's plans as to said brexit.

[smudgie]

She won't be getting on with brexit at all.
She cannot, this election is to decide in part which Party gets to enact brexit and each Party's plans as to said brexit.

Oh forgive me, and here is me thinking she had a meeting this very morning.
My eyes must have been deceiving me.

[joeysteele]

Oh forgive me, and here is me thinking she had a meeting this very morning.
My eyes must have been deceiving me.

No need for unnecessary sarcasm.
Parliament is not dissolved yet, until then she leads a govt.
Once the campaign officially begins she like all others who were MPs will then be equally seeking election again.

So during the campaign she like all other leaders will be laying out plans for and after brexit.
She is now seeking a mandate for her plans as all other Parties are.

Meetings are just meetings,she cannot now do any more as to brexit until she persuades,if she in the end does,voters to back her plans in this election to now give her authority to proceed.

[smudgie]

No need for unnecessary sarcasm.
Parliament is not dissolved yet, until then she leads a govt.
Once the campaign officially begins she like all others who were MPs will then be equally seeking election again.

So during the campaign she like all other leaders will be laying out plans for and after brexit.
She is now seeking a mandate for her plans as all other Parties are.

Meetings are just meetings,she cannot now do any more as to brexit until she persuades,if she in the end does,voters to back her plans in this election to now give her authority to proceed.

Yes, as I say, she has more to do than the rest of the ' leaders'.
She has meetings she can't just cancel at a drop of the hat.
She is involved in an in depth meeting re Brexit, so she has less time to think about the where and when of debates.
As to the unnecessary sarcasm, well I can't help how you choose to read my post.
You know I don't go in for the infantile crap that goes on in the debates section, I prefer to keep it none personal.

[Tom4784]

A lot of excuses are being made for May that wouldn't be made if she was from any other party.

She can spare a few hours to do a debate, the fact that she doesn't want to is revealing.

[joeysteele]

Yes, as I say, she has more to do than the rest of the ' leaders'.
She has meetings she can't just cancel at a drop of the hat.
She is involved in an in depth meeting re Brexit, so she has less time to think about the where and when of debates.
As to the unnecessary sarcasm, well I can't help how you choose to read my post.
You know I don't go in for the infantile crap that goes on in the debates section, I prefer to keep it none personal.

She will not have meetings after Parliament is dissolved and during the campaign.
Brown and Cameron were also Prime Ministers but they did debates when they were.

The debates will be held during the campaign not now.

She's running scared of the debates pure and simple.
Why is anyone's guess but for me it is likely fear of being caught out on issues.

Make excuses all you like for her, for me there are none as I would be saying about any other leader refusing to take part.
She has something to a lot to hide in my view as to the finer details of her policies and plans.
Otherwise she'd be eager to debate them anywhere,anyhow and with anyone.

[Brillopad]

She will not have meetings after Parliament is dissolved and during the campaign.
Brown and Cameron were also Prime Ministers but they did debates when they were.

The debates will be held during the campaign not now.

She's running scared of the debates pure and simple.
Why is anyone's guess but for me it is likely fear of being caught out on issues.

Make excuses all you like for her, for me there are none as I would be saying about any other leader refusing to take part.
She has something to a lot to hide in my view as to the finer details of her policies and plans.
Otherwise she'd be eager to debate them anywhere,anyhow and with anyone.


You would accuse her of running scared as you have issues with her and therefore an agenda. You may believe that but it does not make it so.

Even IF she had reasons to keep something under wraps at the moment, that is not the same as 'having something to hide' which is a deliberate attempt at making it sound sinister - some kind of Wrong-doing. That is all supposition on your part as you are biased against her.

[Livia]

Obviously.
It is however what I will think as to her absence as I would any who refused to take part.

However yes, I could have expressed that better.
Well spotted.

I did actually smile when I saw your response.

Well, that makes me smile too.

[Withano]

I don't really see the problem and feel anti-Brexit voters just want a chance to try to interrogate her and undermine the process.

I dont think you can claim that pro-brexit voters wouldnt like to know more about the ongoing process simply because you clearly dont. Its a historic moment for the country and most people, in and out, are interested to know more.

[reece(:]

I'd scream if there's an empty chair in her place

[joeysteele]

Well, that makes me smile too.

Oh you still make me smile Livia and to re-think as to some things too.

[Cherie]

She will have plenty time once Parliament is dissolved, she called the election because there s period before negotiations start with Europe, she managed to visit a factory today I'm sure she can spare an hour one evening, she has apparently said she would consider doing an audience Q&a presumably with handpicked audience and questions

[DemolitionRed]

May has raised the bar when it comes to being slippery. She answers questions with a sarcastic counter question.

[arista]

She has said she will do a Public BBC1 QT.

[Kizzy]

Question time?... What a waste of time that thing is!

Mind you thinking about it I'm not sure I'm in favour of debates... I remember some from Leeds with Ed Milliband and it wasn't as it turns out an 'undecided small business owner' who hauled him over the coals about business rates, it was a tory plant?...