Establishment stitch-up : BBC complicit in shutting out Remain voice, may face legal action

A Newcastle parliamentary candidate has attacked the BBC for its decision to exclude Jo Swinson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, from its head-to-head debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn next month.

"The BBC are now complicit in another establishment stitch up to shut down debate on the most important issue for generations: Brexit, " said Cllr Ali Avaei, who is representing the Party in the Newcastle Central constituency.

"Millions of people voted to Remain in 2016. After three years of chaos, it is shocking that the Liberal Democrats - the strongest party of Remain - are being denied the opportunity to challenge Johnson and Corbyn on Brexit.

"Once again, the leaders of the Tories and Labour are running scared of debating the most important issue for generations.

"The Liberal Democrats are fighting to stop Brexit. The Party nationally will pursue all options, including legal action, to ensure that our voice is heard in televised leaders' debateslike the one proposed for 6th December.

"It should not be in the gift of any political party to decide whether the public deserve the opportunity to scrutinise those who seek to lead this country. That is why TV debates should be mandatory, and the format should be decided by an independent commission.

"A Liberal Democrats government will ensure that an independent commission is tasked with creating the format for future mandatory debates."

"The Liberal Democrats are offering hope with our plan to Stop Brexit and generate a £50 billion Remain Bonus for our UK family of nations. This is about building a brighter future. I will keep fighting to ensure our voice is heard."