<p>The move is the latest effort to repair the damage caused to politics and politicians by the expenses scandal that was the most important story of 2009.<br />The scandal scarred the reputation of many leading politicians and plunged politics in a never before reached nadir.<br /><br />There will be three 90-minute debates, one each on ITV, Sky and BBC channels.<br />The television debates will feature the three leaders: Gordon Brown (Labour), David Cameron (Conservative) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats).<br />The television debates are expected to have a significant impact on politics by raising voters’ interests and providing drama that could alter the campaign.Election debates have attracted huge audiences in the US.<br /><br />Alastair Stewart will host the first debate on ITV, Adam Boulton of Sky will host the second and veteran David Dimbleby will host the third debate on the BBC.<br />The programmes will be broadcast in peak time during the election campaign and will be in front of a selected audience.<br /><br />Themed debate<br />The format will be the same for each one, with about half of each debate themed.<br />The BBC and Sky will make their programmes available to other broadcasters simultaneously.<br />ITV will make its programme available to other broadcasters immediately after transmission.<br /><br />Discussions will resume in the new year to finalise detailed arrangements for the debates.<br />The election is widely expected to be held on May 6.<br />Brown said: “I relish the opportunity provided by these debates to discuss the big choices the country faces. <br /><br />“The country needs to debate whether we lock in the recovery or whether we choke it off; whether we protect the NHS, schools and police or whether we put them at risk to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy few.” Cameron said: “I have been pushing for two years for this to happen. I think debates can help enliven our democracy, help answer people’s questions and help crystallise the debate about the change this country needs.”<br /><br />Clegg said: “After a terrible year for politicians because of the expenses scandals, these debates will be an opportunity to start re-engaging people with politics.” <br /></p>
<p>The move is the latest effort to repair the damage caused to politics and politicians by the expenses scandal that was the most important story of 2009.<br />The scandal scarred the reputation of many leading politicians and plunged politics in a never before reached nadir.<br /><br />There will be three 90-minute debates, one each on ITV, Sky and BBC channels.<br />The television debates will feature the three leaders: Gordon Brown (Labour), David Cameron (Conservative) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats).<br />The television debates are expected to have a significant impact on politics by raising voters’ interests and providing drama that could alter the campaign.Election debates have attracted huge audiences in the US.<br /><br />Alastair Stewart will host the first debate on ITV, Adam Boulton of Sky will host the second and veteran David Dimbleby will host the third debate on the BBC.<br />The programmes will be broadcast in peak time during the election campaign and will be in front of a selected audience.<br /><br />Themed debate<br />The format will be the same for each one, with about half of each debate themed.<br />The BBC and Sky will make their programmes available to other broadcasters simultaneously.<br />ITV will make its programme available to other broadcasters immediately after transmission.<br /><br />Discussions will resume in the new year to finalise detailed arrangements for the debates.<br />The election is widely expected to be held on May 6.<br />Brown said: “I relish the opportunity provided by these debates to discuss the big choices the country faces. <br /><br />“The country needs to debate whether we lock in the recovery or whether we choke it off; whether we protect the NHS, schools and police or whether we put them at risk to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy few.” Cameron said: “I have been pushing for two years for this to happen. I think debates can help enliven our democracy, help answer people’s questions and help crystallise the debate about the change this country needs.”<br /><br />Clegg said: “After a terrible year for politicians because of the expenses scandals, these debates will be an opportunity to start re-engaging people with politics.” <br /></p>