BBC's Brexit debate would give Theresa May the advantage, says Labour

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn pictured last year at the state opening of Parliament. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images

Labour has issued an ultimatum to the BBC and Downing Street by urging them to adapt the format of the televised Brexit to make it a ‘head to head’.

A party spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn said the BBC format provided a ‘built-in advantage for the government’.

It said: ‘When Number 10 told the media she wanted a head-to-head debate on her botched Brexit deal, Jeremy Corbyn immediately agreed. Jeremy Corbyn then swiftly accepted ITV’s proposal for a straightforward head-to-head debate with Theresa May. But the prime minister has rejected it.

‘Since then, the prime minister’s team and their preferred broadcaster, the BBC, have put together a confused format which would limit head-to-head debating time, with a built-in advantage for the government.

‘The BBC’s latest proposal is a mish-mash, with a lop-sided panel of other politicians and public figures, not a straightforward head-to-head debate. The BBC could – as ITV and Sky have proposed to do – fairly represent other viewpoints and parties in other programmes on its network.

‘The public has a right to a genuine head-to-head debate on the prime minister’s worst-of-all-worlds deal.

‘Either Theresa May should accept ITV’s straightforward proposal or – if she prefers the BBC – ask the corporation for a genuine head-to-head debate. Jeremy Corbyn is ready to take part in either.

‘If the prime minister turns down the opportunity of a genuine head-to-head debate, it will be clear she is once again dodging a TV debate with the leader of the opposition on the future of our country.’