Channel 4 will host ‘The Real Brexit Debate’

The broadcaster says in the absence of a debate on the BBC or ITV, it will air ‘The Real Brexit Debate’ which will focus on four options – Theresa May’s deal, a softer Brexit, a harder Brexit and a People’s Vote which would include pave the way to Remain.

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The debate will be chaired by Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Guru-Murthy previously critcised the BBC’s proposal for a debate as ‘gimmicky crap’.

The station’s director of programmes Ian Katz said: ‘On the eve of one of the biggest decisions in Britain’s modern history it’s a great shame that the leaders of our main parties have refused to take part in a televised debate that reflects all positions on the Brexit issue, so Channel 4 is staging the debate the British public deserves.’

The broadcaster said it ‘will tackle the key issues people across the country care about and consider the genuine options left open for the UK, as opposed to just debating the viewpoints of the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition’.

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The debate will take place in front of a ‘carefully selected live audience of 100 people with diverse perspectives on Brexit’.

ITV has previously said that ‘invitations remain open’ for the prime minister and the Labour leader to appear on a programme.

‘As always, it is up to those invited to decide whether they want to accept the invitation,’ it has said.

The BBC said it will air ‘extensive news coverage and analysis’, while ITV ‘is developing its plans for covering the build-up and reaction’ to the Commons vote on Tuesday.

The prime minister previously agreed to appear on the BBC, but Corbyn preferred ITV, saying he did not want a debate to clash with the final of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.

The Real Brexit Debate will air on Sunday on Channel 4 at 7pm.