David Cameron rules out TV debates in current format

The majority of voters (55%) think David Cameron is acting in a "cowardly" way by trying to avoid taking part in general election TV debates, according to a new poll for ITV News.

The ComRes survey also found 50% of voters agree the Prime Minister had insisted on the Greens taking part as an excuse for him to avoid debating other party leaders.

At the same time, half of the public also agreed that the Greens should be offered a place in the debate, with only 24% saying they disagreed and the rest in the 'don't know' camp.

Tom Mludzinski, Head of Political Polling at ComRes said the poll shows Mr Cameron now "risks coming off worse by avoiding the TV debates than he would by appearing in them”.

Read: Cameron on including Greens: 'It's only logical and fair'

David Cameron said it was only "logical and fair" for the Green Party to be included in TV debates ahead of the General Election.

His comments came after Ofcom announced it was minded to give 'main party' status to Ukip.

ITV News Political Editor Tom Bradby has this report:

Ed Miliband has accused the Prime Minister of "running scared" after he ruled himself out of appearing in TV debates in their current format.

Mr Miliband said: "It is not for the Prime Minister to choose who is in the team he debates.

"It is now clear that David Cameron is trying to find any excuse to stop these debates happening. The Prime Minister should stand on his record and stop running scared."

Nick Clegg has told David Cameron to "stop making excuses" after he ruled out taking part in TV debates in their current format ahead of the general election.

He tweeted:

Watch: PM tells ITV News the current TV debates format will not work

David Cameron has exclusively told ITV News' Political Editor Tom Bradby he will not participate in TV debates ahead of the election in May without the Green Party.

He added that it does not make sense to include "one minor party and not another."

Nigel Farage has said David Cameron is a "chicken running scared" after he appeared to rule out taking part in TV debates if the Green Party are not involved.

In an exclusive interview with ITV News' Political Editor Tom Bradby, the Prime Minister David Cameron appears to have ruled out taking part in TV debates ahead of the election in their current format.

Mr Cameron, who was speaking to ITV News exclusively during a tour of the North West of England, was reacting to draft Ofcom guidance which said the Green party were unlikely to be considered as a major political party in England and Wales. That means their claim against being left out of the proposed TV debates has less chance of succeeding.

At present the main broadcasters, including ITV, are proposing a series of debates including the three main parties and UKIP.