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Election debates to go ahead even if leaders do not take part

Broadcasters have issued new proposals for television debates ahead of General Election - with plans to continue if any party leader refuses to take part.

The planned schedule will see two programmes featuring seven party leaders, with one further debate between David Cameron and Ed Miliband alone.

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Farage: 'You can't debate with seven on the podium'

Farage: 'You can't debate with seven on the podium' Credit: PA

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has criticised the revised plan for televised debates saying they will not work with "seven people on the podium".

You can't have a debate with seven people on the podium.

And if you are going to have seven, you have got to have the Northern Irish DUP, they are after all the fourth biggest party in Parliament.

The broadcasters made a decision, Ofcom backed that decision up: there are four major parties in British politics.

Mr Cameron, I'm afraid, has managed to upset the whole debate, to dilute the thing.

And I think these debates are now looking less likely to happen than they were before.

– Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaking to Channel 4 News

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