Date, time and how to watch General Election TV debates (2024)

Keir Starmer defends using private jet during election campaign

TABLE OF CONTENT

• June 4 - ITV
• June 7 - BBC
• June 12 - Sky News
• June 13 - ITV
• June 20 - Question Time
• June 26 - BBC final debate

In the lead-up to the general election on July 4, Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and Labour's Sir Keir Starmer will go head-to-head as part of a series of debates televised across ITV and the BBC.

The economy, national security, migration and the NHS have so far dominated the campaigning, as the country prepares to go to the polls.

The Prime Minister, Mr Starmer and other party leaders have been on the campaign trail since the election date was set, and Mr Sunak will be hoping to use the televised debate to win over voters as Labour is currently polling with a 20 percentage point lead.

Express.co.uk brings you the full guide to when, where and how to watch the TV debates.

ITV hosted first head-to-head debate between the rivals on June 4 at 9pm, exactly one month before the general election.

The hour-long programme, titled Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate, saw the party leaders have their say in front of a live audience, moderated by presenter Julie Etchingham.

YouGov polling shows 51% of people thought Rishi Sunak performed best overall in tonight’s live debate, with 49% voting for Sir Keir Starmer.

Express Political Editor Sam Lister analysed the face off, saying that while neither tripped up (literally or metaphorically), "voters were finally able to see Sir Keir flail about when asked what he would actually do to solve issues rather than snipe about them."

She went on: "The Labour leader did what lawyers do, he prosecuted a case. Over and over he questioned the PM on his record but answers about his own plans were scant. At the moment, he is asking the public to vote him in on a blank cheque. The problem is how will he cash it?"

But Labour's national campaign co-ordinator Pat McFadden said Labour left Tuesday night's debate "stronger than we entered it".

All seven main political parties will take part in a “multi-party” discussion on the BBC, moderated by Mishal Husain.

Leading figures from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, Green Party and Reform UK will put forward their views on June 7 from 7.30pm.

A BBC spokesperson said: "More than ever before, the BBC is putting audiences at the centre of our election coverage. We will ask the questions they want us to ask, and report on the issues that matter most to them.

"We are committed to covering a range of topics across the breadth of our output including the environment and climate, and will provide analysis for each of the parties' plans should they be elected.

"Furthermore, it's not uncommon for campaigners to seek further coverage for the causes they champion."

The debate will see Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer go head to head (Image: GETTY)

On June 12, Sky News will also be hosting an election leaders event in Grimsby, one of our Target Towns this election year.

Sir Keir has agreed to take part and talks are believed to be ongoing with Mr Sunak’s team.

A spokesperson for the Conservatives told Sky News that the current prime minister "would be delighted to travel to Grimsby to take part in the Sky News leaders' event and answer questions from voters".

This will be "on the condition that he and Keir Starmer take those questions on stage together". The spokesperson added: "This will give viewers the best opportunity to see the clear choice the country faces at this election."

Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Sunak for comment.

ITV has confirmed the debate will be broadcast at 9pm on June 4 (Image: GETTY)

Julie Etchingham will moderate a multi-party debate on Thursday 13 June between leaders or senior representatives from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Reform UK, Green Party and Plaid Cymru.

The televised event will be held from 8.30pm to 10pm on ITV.

Michael Jermey, ITV's Director of News and Current Affairs, said, "ITV's debate programmes will allow millions of viewers to see and hear the politicians debate the big issues facing the country. Many of our viewers tell us they greatly value the TV debates. We're pleased that ITV will be able to provide a forum in which voters can question the political leaders and in which the politicians can debate directly with each other.”

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Leaders of the four biggest political parties taking part in a two-hour Question Time programme presented by Fiona Bruce on June 20.

The broadcast will last for two hours from 8pm to 10pm.

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The BBC will host what expected to be the last TV debate, with a final head-to-head between Mr Sunak and Sir Keir to be held on June 26 from 9pm-10pm, moderated by Sophie Raworth.

ITV's announcement come after the Tories pressed rival Starmer to take part in a record six debates during the election campaign.

Instead, the Labour leader will match what former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ex Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn did in the 2019 election campaign and take part in two head-to-head debates.

In a rain-soaked appearance outside Downing Street on May 22, Sunak announced the country will go to polls on July 4.

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