Following the confirmation that there will be a “Leaders’ Debate” in the Election campaign, we are today asking why there are no plans for policy debates.
Following the confirmation last night that there will be a “Leaders’ Debate” in the General Election campaign, Left Foot Forward is today asking why there are no plans for Departmental head-to-heads between Ministers and their shadows.
In the United States, the Vice Presidential nominees square up in live tv debates, yet no such plans are in place here, with only three shows between the three main party leaders, on ITV, Sky and the BBC – though the SNP and Plaid Cymru are reportedly considering legal action if they aren’t involved.
If, then, debates are to be held in Cardiff and Edinburgh, it seems fair to ask of the broadcasters to at least consider hosting debates between the Cabinet and their Tory and Lib Dem shadows, giving the public the opportunity to compare the strenghts, statures and intellects of those seeking to govern.
As important as character, it will also enable the public to examine, and contrast, the policies of the parties in the key areas of the economy, health, education, law & order, foreign affairs etc. the details of which are likely to be lost in the heated exchanges between Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
Here’s how the debates could shape up:
| DEPARTMENT | LABOUR | CONSERVATIVE | LIBERAL DEMOCRATS |
| BUSINESS | Lord Mandelson | Ken Clarke | John Thurso |
| LDR. OF THE HOUSE | Harriet Harman | Sir George Young | David Heath |
| TREASURY | Alistair Darling | George Osborne | Vince Cable |
| CHIEF SECRETARY | Liam Byrne | Philip Hammond | Jeremy Browne |
| FOREIGN OFFICE | David Miliband | William Hague | Ed Davey |
| JUSTICE | Jack Straw | Dominic Grieve | David Howarth |
| HOME OFFICE | Alan Johnson | Chris Grayling | Chris Huhne |
| ENVIRONMENT | Hilary Benn | Nick Herbert | Tim Farron |
| DEVELOPMENT | Douglas Alexander | Andrew Mitchell | Michael Moore |
| COMMUNITIES | John Denham | Caroline Spelman | Julia Goldsworthy |
| SCHOOLS | Ed Balls | Michael Gove | David Laws |
| CLIMATE CHANGE | Ed Miliband | Greg Clark | Simon Hughes |
| HEALTH | Andy Burnham | Andrew Lansley | Norman Lamb |
| WORK & PENSIONS | Yvette Cooper | Theresa May | Steve Webb |
| DEFENCE | Bob Ainsworth | Liam Fox | Nick Harvey |
| TRANSPORT | Lord Adonis | Theresa Villiers | Norman Baker |
| CULTURE | Ben Bradshaw | Jeremy Hunt | Don Foster |
In April, speaking in support of the principle of a leaders’ debate, the Leader of the Opposition said:
“Any time, any place, anywhere.”
Left Foot Forward wonders whether he’d be as keen on our idea.
23 Responses to “Full steam ahead for Leaders’ debate, but still no plans for policy debates”
Shamik Das
Tories afraid to debate policy: RT @leftfootfwd: Full steam ahead for Leaders’ debate, but no plans for policy debates: http://is.gd/5xf8d
Paul Evans
Full steam ahead for Leaders’ debate, but still no plans for policy debates http://bit.ly/8e1KHz
Adam Pogonowski
People are missing the point that there isn’t going to be much debate between three parties that share the same views by-and-large. It is also outrageous that the Green Party has been excluded – it has elected officials nationwide, and in the European Parliament, and also is a very relevant party given Copenhagen this year. Yet of course, the broadcasters don’t want to hear commonsense and give the public an alternative – something that we actually crave.
Rory
RICS, Building and Property Week are jointly hosting pre-election hustings at RICS headquarters on 19 January.
Housing Minister, Ian Austin MP will be joined on the platform by Conservative and Liberal Democrat Housing Shadows, Grant Shapps MP and Sarah Teather MP.
The session will provide an opportunity for 100 property sector professionals to quiz the three parties on their property-related policy plans.
Property Week and Building are taking bookings to attend on a first come, first served basis.
Anon E Mouse
Adam Pogonowski – Remind me how many Green MP’s there are in the Commons?
One prominent Green campaigner from Norwich, Rupert Read, came forth place behind the UKIP. Judging by some of the outlandish remarks he makes on the internet I’m surprised he achieved that position.
The fact is it’s all very well voting for the Greens at a local or European level (where they are unable to affect big things in our lives) but when it comes to the serious business of government most people would never vote for a party with the silly views they hold.
After that life wasting, CO2 generating farce in Copenhagen last week, I’m surprised most Greens aren’t hiding themselves away in a dark corner.
Best place for them until they get real I say. Green MP’s? No thanks.