Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett protesting against Fracking at Balcombe. She has said that she is delighted to debate our strong policies with the other leaders "any time, any place, anywhere"
Earlier this month David Cameron stated that he was not opposed to the pre-election TV debates as long as the parties and broadcasters could reach agreement on a format. He also suggested that formal talks should not begin until after the party conferences later in the year.
Bucking the trend of the media 'black-out' of the Green Party, he supported the inclusion of Green Party leader Natalie Bennett. But only in a single broadcast which would feature all leaders of the 5 main parties. He said:
Bucking the trend of the media 'black-out' of the Green Party, he supported the inclusion of Green Party leader Natalie Bennett. But only in a single broadcast which would feature all leaders of the 5 main parties. He said:
“You can have a debate where you have all of the parties. I don't think we could have a party like Ukip without an MP if you don’t have a party like the Greens, who have an MP.”
In response Natalie Bennett has said that she would be:
"delighted" to debate her party's "strong set of policies" with the other leaders "any time, anywhere, any place". and "We represent a large number of views that are not represented elsewhere in British politics, such as renationalisation of the railways, which is supported by 68% of the public," and "Also, let's face it, this is the only way we're going to get any gender balance in the debates."
In a move, which in part is designed to stem the tide of 'Farageism' he also alluded that there should be a second debate, between the only two leaders that could realistically become Prime Minister; referring to himself and Ed Milliband.
Labour leader Ed Miliband, is less inclusive of the Greens, perhaps aware that the bubble may finally burst; that it is the Greens that are actually THE party of the left and THE party for working people.
He has said that the 2010 format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to moves such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.
David Cameron's proposed format could be positive for the greens. In 2010 'Cleggmania' occurred on the back of his TV appearances (plural) and after the first, was considered the winner with 61% approval .
But with only one shot at one debate with 5 party leaders (not 3 as previously) would probably make 2015's debate relatively benign and would not allow any of the leaders to really 'stand-out'.
The decision on format is not however David Cameron's to make alone, but things do look promising for Natalie Bennett to attend, as is fair.
Taken in context with ongoing UKIP hype vs Green 'blackout' there is much to fight for in the battle for media parity.
It's also worth acknowledging that a petition for green inclusion in the TV debates, by a young green Lisa Camps received over 4000 signatures. It is closed now but can be viewed here.
Perhaps on the back of the brilliant 38 degree petition for media parity initiated by young green Portia Cox (now over 40k signatures) it is time for the greens not to just sit back and wait to be either be invited or passed over, but rather to actually say what we want.
Another headline grabbing 38 degree petition anyone?
Labour leader Ed Miliband, is less inclusive of the Greens, perhaps aware that the bubble may finally burst; that it is the Greens that are actually THE party of the left and THE party for working people.
He has said that the 2010 format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to moves such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.
David Cameron's proposed format could be positive for the greens. In 2010 'Cleggmania' occurred on the back of his TV appearances (plural) and after the first, was considered the winner with 61% approval .
But with only one shot at one debate with 5 party leaders (not 3 as previously) would probably make 2015's debate relatively benign and would not allow any of the leaders to really 'stand-out'.
The decision on format is not however David Cameron's to make alone, but things do look promising for Natalie Bennett to attend, as is fair.
Taken in context with ongoing UKIP hype vs Green 'blackout' there is much to fight for in the battle for media parity.
It's also worth acknowledging that a petition for green inclusion in the TV debates, by a young green Lisa Camps received over 4000 signatures. It is closed now but can be viewed here.
Perhaps on the back of the brilliant 38 degree petition for media parity initiated by young green Portia Cox (now over 40k signatures) it is time for the greens not to just sit back and wait to be either be invited or passed over, but rather to actually say what we want.
Another headline grabbing 38 degree petition anyone?
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