The Liberal Democrats have launched legal action against ITV over the broadcaster's decision not to include Jo Swinson in their general election debate.

Party president Sal Brinton said the current format - a two-way debate involving Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn - "fundamentally disrespects the many millions of people who strongly support remaining in the European Union".

"It ignores their concerns, their right to question and to be represented," she said outside the High Court in London after filing the papers for the legal challenge.

Jo Swinson threatens legal action over debate

"Both Johnson and Corbyn want Britain to leave. ITV's proposal has no place for Remain at the top table, despite this being the strongly held view of many millions of both voters and viewers."

Ms Brinton added: "The Liberal Democrats, on behalf of all those who want our democracy to remain fair and balanced, are legally challenging ITV to do the right, fair and balanced thing.


"We need to preserve the health of our democracy, for this generation and the next."

A recent YouGov poll found 53% of the public backed Ms Swinson being invited to the main televised debate between Mr Johnson and Mr Corbyn, versus 26% who feel she should not.

The majority of Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem and Remain voters supported the move, while a slim majority of Leave voters - 40% to 38% - were against it.

Michael Jermey, ITV's director of news and current affairs, said in a letter to the Lib Dems earlier this month that its current plan was fair, met obligations for due impartiality and served viewers well.

"Politicians are obviously entitled to have a view on our decisions, but who is invited to take part in a programme is ultimately a matter for ITV," he added.

Sky News has proposed a three-way debate involving Ms Swinson, the prime minister and the Labour leader on 28 November.

'They're running scared': Swinson on debate format

The Lib Dem leader has said she will take part - and asked if Mr Johnson and Mr Corbyn would "show up".

The SNP says it deserved to be included in any TV debate, too.

Ian Blackford, the party's Westminster leader, said: "Demands from the Lib Dems - one of parliament's smallest parties, to be included in the head-to-head debate, without recognising the right of the SNP as the UK's largest anti-Brexit party, are frankly laughable and evidence of how undemocratic the party have become.

"It's time the Westminster establishment stopped running scared. The SNP are ready to take on the Tories and Labour anytime, anyplace."

Sky News originally suggested a debate between the leaders of the current government and the opposition.

But as there are now multiple proposals for double-headed debates, Sky News believes it is sensible to suggest an alternative approach that will allow the public to properly scrutinise a wider range of views.

Sky News has promised to continue to provide appropriate coverage to other parties in broadcasts throughout the election period.

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