‘Empty chair’ threat over TV election debates

British broadcasters have threatened to embarrass Prime Minister David Cameron by proposing to “empty chair” any political party leader who refuses to take part in live televised debates planned for the general election campaign.

In a joint statement, the four major broadcasters confirmed plans for a 7-7-2 format, under which two debates hosted by BBC and ITV would feature the leaders of Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Ukip, the Greens, Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru, and a third on Channel 4 and Sky would pit David Cameron against Ed Miliband in a head-to-head clash of the men most likely to emerge as prime minister.

The broadcasters said if any of the leaders decide not to participate, “the debates would take place with those who accepted the invitation”.

Proposed dates for the debates are April 2, 16 and 30 — with the final clash coming a week ahead of the May 7 poll.

TV executives previously suggested three debates: one head-to-head between Mr Cameron and Mr Miliband, another also involving Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, and a third with Ukip’s Nigel Farage thrown into the mix.

The change appears designed to overcome David Cameron’s refusal to take part in any debate that included Mr Farage but not Natalie Bennett of the Green Party — and to reflect a significant public campaign for the inclusion of the environmentalist party, as well as protests from the nationalist parties at their exclusion.

Following talks spanning three months with the main parties, the broadcasters issued formal invitations to the leaders to take part.

The empty-chair threat will increase pressure on leaders to participate in the televised showdowns.