The televised pre-election debate is underway, featuring the leaders of Britain’s seven major parties: the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, UKIP, the Green Party, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru.
02 April 2015
After two intense hours, your beleaguered RT correspondents are signing off.
The YouGov poll is also pronouncing Sturgeon as the winner.
Sturgeon 28.1%
Farage 20.3%
Cameron 17.6%
Miliband 14.8%
Clegg 10.4%
Bennett 4.7%
Wood 4.2%
sample 1,117
The polls are beginning to come in. The Economist says that Sturgeon edges it.
Final verdict on Britain's first seven-way TV debate (/10): Bennett 3, Wood 4, Clegg 5, Cameron 6, Miliband 6, Farage 7, Sturgeon 9.
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) April 2, 2015
The questions have come to a close. Time for closing statements.
Sturgeon says the other parties will only provide cuts. The SNP will provide something different, and will not continue with the 'wrong' priorities. She says the SNP will provide change in Westminster.
Clegg asks the public to decide what is best for voters families and the country. He advocates cutting less and borrowing less, and present the LibDems as a central party or fairness and equality.
Miliband says workers will be rewarded. He promises to tackle tax avoiders and energy companies, and promises to balance the books.
Wood says the Welsh party thinks austerity is a choice, adding that they will provide a stronger, more prosperous and greener wales.
Bennett also promises change from the Greens. She says voters do not need to keep voting for the lesser of two evils, and says the country needs more MPs like Caroline Lucas. She promises a peaceful political revolution.
Farage still maintaining that the others are all the same. He plays up to the camera, saying the other politicians do not understand the common man. He advocates pure patriotism and good, common sense politics.
Cameron praises the work of the coalition government. He pledges to continue creating jobs and cutting the deficit. He urges voters to stick to the plan laid out already.
How will the leaders make the generation feel optimistic?
Cameron says that the economy and global significance of Britain should keep the young optimistic.
An member of the audience speaks out about homeless veterans. She is told to be quiet, but gets acknowledgement from the audience.
Bennett says that in order to be optimistic people must begin to tackle environmental problems, saying 50 percent of wildlife has disappeared.
Farage talks a lot about how good Britain is, but doesn't really say anything.
Wood pledges to create 50,000 new jobs to keep the youth optimistic.
Clegg says the slate must be wiped clean for the next generation by clearing the debt and the deficit.
Miliband says that the abolition of zero-hours contracts would provide more stability and optimism for young workers.
#PeopleNOTpolls: You told RT your views on tonight's Leaders' Debate
One user said Nicola Sturgeon and Leanne Wood have done "far better" while Farage and Cameron are the "worst."
@RTUKnews Nicola Sturgeon and Leanne Wood done far better. Worst: Farage and Cameron.
— Fuad A. (@FuadGlasgow) April 2, 2015
Another user said Farage is "the best by far."
@RTUKnews farage the best by far
— Ricky 'mfc' Mitchell (@mitchlions) April 2, 2015
@RTUKnews Ed Miliband.
— Niklas Rhodin (@niklasrhodin) April 2, 2015
@RTUKnews if you're suggesting Farage, the answer is unequivocally NO. But thanks for asking
— Jag Bhabra (@jagbabs) April 2, 2015
LIVE: Watch the #LeadersDebate on RT http://t.co/wLwHpiUzQq#GE2015pic.twitter.com/J1klomHvSz — RT UK (@RTUKnews) April 2, 2015
Miliband says he will stop agents charging tenants fees for 'generation rent'
Have we seen a real leader in tonight's election debate? We want to hear from you #peoplenotpolls#leadersdebatepic.twitter.com/9Ft0uCP9tf — RT UK (@RTUKnews) April 2, 2015
Clegg introduces a rent-to-own scheme for those who cannot afford to save for the mortgage on a house.
Farage says the housing issue is exacerbated by immigrants. He adds that people want to build on greenfield sites because it's cheaper, but thinks brownfield sites should be released for rejuvenation and house-building.
Sturgeon says it's important to help protect the price of affordable homes.
Bennett brings the topic back to education.
She says she wants a non-exam based non-factory based learning which includes things like cooking, sex ed.
Wood calls for the end to austerity in order to invest in education for young Welsh people, with the aim of free tuition fees.
Sturgeon said university tuition fees are a clear sign that the "old boys club" at Westminster needs to be stopped.
Cameron opens the floor, and praises his free schools, saying more good school places were available than ever before.
Clegg says the Torys are planning on cutting £3 billion from the education budget which Cameron dismisses.
Miliband says Clegg betrayed students on his tuition fee u-turn. Clegg calls for Miliband to apologise for the crashing of the economy.
The debate disintegrates into mud-slinging between the three main leaders.
Wood says her party would invest in the current generation. They want to provide free tuition fees which they cannot provide during current austerity measures, so would maintain the levels of funding for students.
Miliband says all young people must have access to education. They would cut university tuition fees to £6,000 and continue to build homes for first time buyers.
Cameron wants to continue creating jobs for young people, and praised the Conservative uncapping of university places. He also extols the virtues of the Help to Buy scheme.
Bennett says all education will be paid for by general taxation, saying that the current levels of student debt are unacceptable and that they would call off all student loan company debt.
Clegg apologetic about not being able to scrap tuition fees as part of the coalition. He says the tax cuts on the lowest wages are a victory for the LibDems.
Sturgeon says that Scotland is already building more houses and helping student by providing free education. She delivers a powerful speech about the rights to free university education gaining a round of applause.
Farage says that the rich with access to education are dominating the corridors of power. He advocates the re-opening of grammar schools, and more apprenticeship schemes.
Question four:
"if you're elected, what will you do about our generation to make us feel hopeful"
Miliband admitted that the Labour party had got it wrong in the past, but said that the country could do more to train up immigrants and young people.
Clegg continues to promote apprenticeships.
Wood says the one thing she agrees with Farage on is that you cannot control immigration as a member state of the EU, but adds that the UK must treat EU citizens well when they travel to the country.
Farage startled by the revelation that someone agrees.
Bennett says the Green party supports a referendum, but added that they would continue to campaign strongly to remain in the union.
The topic moves to Syrian refugees.
Cameron says that while the UK has admitted some of the most vulnerable Syrians, the aid budget should be used to continue to help in the country.
Miliband says his priority is not an in/out EU referendum and would focus on the NHS and the minimum wage.
DING DING, Farage has delivered the party strap line: "There would not be a debate about a referendum if it wasn't for UKIP".
Cameron says that a renegotiation should be a priority before a in/out referendum of the EU.
Wood says UKIP have shown their true colours (like they hadn't already?!) adding that the rhetoric is building up to an exit of the EU.
Bennett says this is a debate about human lives, not economics. She says that under current legislation 19,000 Brits cannot live with their families in the country, and called for more Syrian refugees to be admitted.
Farage giving a history of immigration into the UK, saying the levels are 10 times higher than ever previously seen, and the people have paid the price.
Clegg says that to avoid the exploitative employees, the minimum wage should be increased.
Back to immigration.
Cameron says he has clamped down on levels of immigration by making changes to the system.
Sturgeon says that diversity in the UK is a strength, not a weakness. She said that the abolition of the post-study work visa is harming the student population gain access to work.
ITV have saud that the ComRes half time poll suggests Farage is coming out on top. This is surprising as the studio audience seem much less in favour of Farage.
Back to the NHS, Dr and author on NHS funding Jacky Davis said this about the debate:
"Cameron just plain wrong about claims to have increased NHS budget and staff numbers. Front line staff have been cut, bed numbers reduced, less GDP spent on NHS now than whenTories came to power.
Clegg wrong that NHS is not being privatised, two thirds of new contracts going to private companies. Ironic to hear him promising to protect the NHS after the Lib Dems supported Lansley reforms, Tories couldn't have got them through without them
Good to hear Natalie Bennett damning the market and saying the profit motive has no place in the NHS"
Miliband starts. He says people will wait 2 years after moving before gaining benefits, as well as halting exploitative employees who do not pay the minimum wage.
Wood says her party will not continue scapegoat migrants, and says the blaming rhetoric is dangerous. She says the economic crisis was not caused by immigration, but the bankers.
Sturgeon adds that controls must be strong and effective and must clamp down on those abusing service, but says that it can be tackled via more social housing and better wages, not scapegoating. Most non-working immigrants are students, and very few abuse the system.
Cameron says immigration should come down, and says his cap on non-EU migrants has lowered levels. But EU immigration remained high. Migrants must work for 4 years before gaining benefits.
Farage predictably brings the issue back to the EU, saying it gives people from 10 former USSR countries and Eurozone countries an open door. He advocates an Australian open door system.
Clegg says he would not spread fear. He adds that "good immigration" should be valued, and says Britain should be open for business, not for abuse.
Natalie Bennett says the system must be controlled and fair, saying that currently asylum seekers are let down by the current system.
Question three, from Joan Richards:
"if you were elected, how would you address the issue of immigration"?
One Twitter user told RT they think the leaders are "liars and dreamers."
@RTUKnews Liars and dreamers
— Gareth Jessop (@GarethJessop) April 2, 2015
Another user told RT they think the debate is a "joke."
@RTUKnews its a joke.
— Lawrence Mitchell (@Mr_Restorer) April 2, 2015
Looking for half-time polls. As the leaders munch on their orange slices and coaches mop their brows, RT's Joshua Coupe muses who has won and who has lost the first half.
Which one of the leaders will be voted the Weakest Link? #leadersdebatepic.twitter.com/ix15XCmJsD
— Joshua Coupe (@joshuacoupe_) April 2, 2015
Now time for a break. Etchingham says the next question will be immigration. Watch out for Farage playing up to the camera, and some stinging put-downs from the left parties.
Bennett highlight the plight of the elderly, and says the Greens would provide free care for the over 65s.
Cameron pledges 12 hour opening, seven days a week, for doctors and GPs.
"You've failed the British people, you've broken your bond of trust" Miliband tells Cameron.
Karren Brady, vice chairman of West Ham United FC said: "Ed Miliband doesn't want to talk about the past because they spent all the money! We can't let them do it again! #leadersdebate."
Ed Miliband doesn't want to talk about the past because they spent all the money! We can't let them do it again! #leadersdebate
— Karren Brady (@karren_brady) April 2, 2015
Now Cameron's calling Miliband a "scare-monger", but no round of applause for him.
Cameron says that the "target culture" created the situation at Mid Staffs hospital where it was revealed in 2012 that elderly patients were being abused.
Clegg continues that the NHS needs money, mental health services and community services in order to succeed.
Sturgeon adds that the NHS is too precious to be privatised in any way.
Clegg believes the previous Labour government had spent £250 million in deals with private contractors. Miliband says that Clegg supported the act which would have seen more privatisation.
Farage said there were 7,000 HIV positive diagnoses, 60 percent of which are not British nationals, last year.
Wood calls him a "scare-monger", says Farage should be ashamed of himself, and receives a well-earned round of applause.
Bennett adds that Cameron's levels of privatisation are damaging, and in order to help the NHS the Greens would encourage a healthier society through walking, cycling and reducing air pollution.
Miliband says they will stop the creeping privatisation, and says that Cameron will not be trusted by the public.
Cameron says he was responsible for removing 20,000 bureaucrats from the system.
The Labour Party press team said: "Despite what the Tories say the NHS is in crisis - the English waiting list is going up #leadersdebate."
Despite what the Tories say the NHS is in crisis - the English waiting list is going up #leadersdebate
— Labour Press Team (@labourpress) April 2, 2015
Sturgeon asks "is there nothing Nigel Farage won't blame on foriegners?!". She makes a valuable point, and gets a chortle from the audience.
Wood believes that NHS problems are exacerbated by cuts and privatisation, as introduced by Labour.
Well done Natalie Bennett for standing up for immigrants #leadersdebate — AngusBMacNeilSNP (@AngusMacNeilSNP) April 2, 2015
LIVE: "The #NHS doesn't need warm words. It needs cold hard cash" - Nick Clegg #leadersdebatehttp://t.co/6ByINWHm53pic.twitter.com/Gp7CjC1gNF — RT UK (@RTUKnews) April 2, 2015
#Miliband claims he will ‘reward hard work again’ and ‘rescue the #NHS’ http://t.co/6ByINWHm53#leadersdebatepic.twitter.com/pbCvnt78ZU
— RT UK (@RTUKnews) April 2, 2015
The floor opens.
Farage brings up the topic of "health tourism", where incoming immigrants abuse the system. Bennett refutes the claims, and calls the current immigration debate "damaging".
Miliband says immigration is not at the root of problems in the healthcare services. He said there are too many people waiting for treatment.
Clegg advocates more funding via taxation of the rich, while Cameron says the Conservatives are the only party to maintain spending levels.
Nigel Farage on privatising the NHS: https://t.co/MexFJTQDUv#leadersdebate
— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) April 2, 2015
Question two: the NHS.
Terry Kelly asks "how will your party ensure long term funding for the NHS while keeping it a service accessible to all"?
Farage opens with the promise to keep it free at access, and would fund it with EU savings.
Sturgeon says the NHS Scotland budget is protected and will never be run for private profit. Once again says that an end to austerity would continue protect healthcare funding.
Bennett says the NHS was not an issue in 2010, but says it is now. She wants to stop the creeping privatisation and says she will fight for 0% profit in healthcare services, and free prescription, dental and eye care.
Clegg says the NHS needs £8 billion by the end of the next government which he would fund by taxing the rich.
Wood says her party is proud to have given the UK the NHS, and agrees it must be protected against cuts and central management from Labour.
Miliband expresses concern at longer waits currently happening in the NHS. He says his Mansion Tax, tobacco companies and hedge funds will fund more staff and joining up services.
Cameron speaks about how important the NHS was to his family before his son Ivan died. He said that growth of the economy would fund the NHS.
Farage sounding like a stuck record, once again advocating the withdrawal of £10 million of foreign aid.
The Greens reply with a promise for more foreign aid.
Clegg says that large cuts are made by the Conservatives not because they have to, but because they want to. Cameron rubbishes the claim, but Sturgeon asks where the next £12 billion in cuts will fall.
Sturgeon putting in an extremely strong performance holding the PM to account, saying that disability benefits will be taken away from the poor and vulnerable.
Bennett agrees with Sturgeon, and says the two main parties only provide "austerity heavy" and "austerity light", and calls for an alternative where more long-term, non zero-hours contracts are provided.
Laurie Penny, journalist and contributing editor of New Statesman tweeted: "Farage's talents include shouting over other people and wearing spots and stripes at the same time. He should be on Top Model #leadersdebate."
Farage's talents include shouting over other people and wearing spots and stripes at the same time. He should be on Top Model #leadersdebate
— Laurie Penny (@PennyRed) April 2, 2015
On Twitter, the Liberal Democrats said: "We've reduced the deficit by £4bn a year. Looks like Mystic Ed's predictions were wrong #leadersdebate."
We've reduced the deficit by £4bn a year. Looks like Mystic Ed's predictions were wrong #leadersdebatehttps://t.co/6xYVDciLHD
— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) April 2, 2015
Farage claiming that people are cross that people are cross that money disappears "over Hadrian's Wall". Sturgeon rebuffs this by saying that the Scots have consistently paid more taxes.
She tried to call out the three main parties for voting in £30 billion worth of future cuts.
ITV claim that the leader currently getting most social media traction is Miliband.
After the opening statements, @Ed_Miliband was most talked-about on Twitter http://t.co/IGt73XCLD3#leadersdebatepic.twitter.com/uww8qa70IB
— ITV News (@itvnews) April 2, 2015
The Labour Party press team tweeted: "There's a big choice: DC wants to double the cuts next yr which would put the NHS at risk - we will balance the books fairly #leadersdebate."
There's a big choice: DC wants to double the cuts next yr which would put the NHS at risk - we will balance the books fairly #leadersdebate
— Labour Press Team (@labourpress) April 2, 2015
Cameron: "The truth about cuts" and reads from a Labour 'letter' which reads "sorry, we've run out of money" and says the Conservatives need to continue on their spending plan.
Miliband says Cameron is unable to talk about the future and continues to focus on the past.
Etchingham attempting to calm bickering between Lab and Con.
.
The debate is degenerating into an incoherent mess. There are too many people involved. It was obvious this would happen. #leadersdebate
— Mark Thompson (@MarkReckons) April 2, 2015
Bennett said that borrowing must be to invest into sustainable endeavours such as social housing.
Farage generates laughter after shouting that the "the books aren't balanced! We have a £90 billion deficit!". His performance as an outsider could see him rise in popularity.
The Conservative Party press office tweeted: "Nick is wrong: only we have a plan to raise funds from tax avoiders and evaders. Labour did nothing #leadersdebate."
Nick is wrong: only we have a plan to raise funds from tax avoiders and evaders. Labour did nothing #leadersdebate
— CCHQ Press Office (@CCHQPress) April 2, 2015
Sturgeon says that due to Cameron's policies and addition 1m children will be living in poverty.
Farage chips in to advocate higher defence spending, and continues to call for slashed aid budgets.
Miliband calls on Cameron to eradicate tax evasion. The two main party leaders continue to dominate the floor, risking the debate turning into a Prime Minister's Questions.
Opening answers:
Clegg first to answer, he suggests taxing the rich to create funds to plow into public services.
Cameron falls back on his "economic plan", and claims they will continue to save £1 out of every £100, but promises not to raise tax to find the funds.
Wood says the deficit will be cut to £30 billion by 2020, and condemns the coalition plans to reduce the deficit.
Farage says cuts need to be made, suggesting £10 billion from the foreign aid budget, as well as cutting money to the EU and scrapping HS2.
Miliband promises far taxes. They would reverse the tax break for millionaires introduced by the Conservatives.
Bennett says the Greens will invest, rather than continue austerity measures. She added that rich individuals and corporations would be taxed to raise funds.
Sturgeon also says austerity is "undermining" social services. She says that an alternative investment plan would invest in skills and employment to continue expanding the economy.
First question: how do the party leaders believe they can cut the deficit without raising taxes or making cuts?
From Johnny, a politics student.
Miliband opens with a target at the Coalition failings, focusing on minimum wage increases and the NHS.
Leanne Wood says her party will offer "hope" for the Welsh, and can make Welsh communities as strong as they can be in a coalition government.
Cameron predictably opens with "long-term economic plan". He is sure to focus on apparent Tory 'successes'.
Sturgeon's opening speech focusing on the changes which can take place within Westminster. She will want to appeal to Scots, but is using the debate as an opportunity to make Westminster "progressive".
Sturgeon can’t being herself to say the word “Britain”, so she says “Westminster system” #leadersdebate
— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) April 2, 2015
Clegg again making his agenda clear: making the audience believe that they must choose a co-operative coalition rather than an outright winner, as the LibDems are unlikely to recieve a majority vote.
Farage's opener clearly portraying himself as the outsider - "all the other parties are the same", and setting out from the beginning that immigration will be top of his agenda.
Natalie Bennett makes her opening statement. She says that the Green Party is "determined to deliver a fair economy" where the poor will not have to pay for the mistakes of the bankers.
And they're live! All the leaders looking chipper and pleased to be at the debate.
Before the leaders take to the stage, here are the leaders re-branded as Game of Thrones houses.
These are brilliant. #GameOfThrones style sigils for tonight's #LeadersDebate. pic.twitter.com/3Dxi50h3m7
— michaelrobb (@michaeIrobb) April 2, 2015
ITV is belting out the Emmerdale theme tune. This can only mean that the debate is 5 minutes away.
There are reports that the Conservatives have stationed George Osborne and William Hague in the spin room, to provide back-up for David Cameron as the debate unfurls.
Labour are reported to have Yvette Cooper and Douglas Alexander.
The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg believes that today's debate will draw crowds of viewers and having a resounding effect for polls and voters. Her words, however, contrast with Daniel Finkelstein's piece in the Times today, which argued that most people "wildly overestimate" the impact of televised debates.
He wrote: "How can you tell who will have won tonight’s television debate? I have bad news: the answer will probably be no one. And even if someone does win, it may be hard to tell exactly who."
ITV predicting as many as 10m viewers-even if nothing like that,what happens tonight will affect momentum of parties + that matters too
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) April 2, 2015
ITV's "Rate the Debate" feature is live. You can decide whether you agree or disagree with the leaders in real time, as the debate unfolds.
It can be found here.
The Prime Minister is in the building.
Marina Hyde has provided the Guardian with this wonderful pre-match report about the ways the leaders have prepared for the incoming battle.
"Nicola Sturgeon: six hours of virtual combat training with Alex Salmond in a debate dojo, like Neo and Morpheus in The Matrix.
Nigel Farage: drank the blood of an immigrant who doesn’t work in financial services.
David Cameron: fried some really high quality halloumi on one of his many stainless steel range cookers. Bold, simple flavours relax him.
Ed Miliband: listened 87 times to Lose Yourself, which Eminem penned about another vocal contest. Tonight will now be his rap battle.
Leanne Wood: high intensity SEO work to bump all the “Who is Leanne Wood?” headlines off the first page of Google.
Natalie Bennet: recreation of the back-to-nature training montage in Rocky 4. “Brain-fade”-inducing Nick Ferrari’s face on the punchbag.
Nick Clegg: watched old reels of the 2010 debates, insisted that it was the contest that got small, then shot his scriptwriter."
A report from polling group Ipsos Mori make interesting points about the effects of leader debates.
One extract notes that personal stories were virtually useless for the leaders during the 2010 debates:
"Whatever the expensive American experts tell you, the British public don’t care about who you met – or who you went for a jog with. All three party leaders were guilty of attempting ‘folksy charm’ often used in American politics to humanise the politicians. Personal stories about meeting members of the public, nurses or war veterans failed to score well with members of our audiences."
The LibDem leader has just arrived, striding like a man with purpose:
Nick Clegg has arrived. Nice yellow tie. #LeadersDebatehttps://t.co/tIfrFKqCG2
— Mikey Smith (@mikeysmith) April 2, 2015
Journalists and photographers are waiting outside the venue to capture the arrival of the other leaders.
Snappers eagerly awaiting the arrival of all seven party leaders #ITVDebatepic.twitter.com/wgpMDlnx25
— Frances Perraudin (@fperraudin) April 2, 2015
Sturgeon also brought us this chilling image of the debate set, left unlit.
The #leadersdebate set without the lights #GE15#voteSNPpic.twitter.com/bh7GeQjaiO
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 2, 2015
Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP and Leanne Wood from Plaid Cymru share a tender moment backstage in the calm before the storm.
.@NicolaSturgeon & @LeanneWood greet each other backstage at the ITV studio #voteSNP#GE15#LeadersDebatepic.twitter.com/wbuzoZPTZG
— Ria Robertson (@RiaDRobertson) April 2, 2015
Ed Miliband has been spotted arriving at the studios in Salford. We hope the onlookers note his shiny new shoes, purchased especially in Manchester for this evening.
Ed Miliband gets shoes from Manchester shop for tonight's TV debate in Salford http://t.co/2zcVHlTwFWpic.twitter.com/YmlRJOy3DD
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) April 2, 2015
RT's correspondent Poppy Bullard tweeted a picture which explains the order of tonight's debate.
Here's the order this evening (just in case you were concerned it wouldn't be easy to follow a seven-way debate..) pic.twitter.com/plAkw0gkX5
— Poppy Bullard (@PoppyBullard) April 2, 2015
According to a new forecast released by The New Statesman’s election site, May 2015, the Conservative Party are set to win the most seats in May.
The odds are:
Conservative Party – 283 (277)
Labour Party – 270 (268)
Scottish National Party 47 (54)
Liberal Democrats 25 (26)
UKIP – 4 (3)
Latest avg of 5 forecasts (vs http://t.co/j83TeUDhFz) CON—283 (277) LAB—270 (268) SNP—47 (54) LD—25 (26) UKP—4 (3) pic.twitter.com/r5K5WqpSly
— May2015 (@May2015NS) April 2, 2015
Ahead of tonight’s debate, David Cameron visited children at a primary school.
Cameron tweeted an image of himself among a group of children, saying: “King’s Leadership Academy in Warrington is a fantastic example of a school offering children the best start in life.”
King's Leadership Academy in Warrington is a fantastic example of a school offering children the best start in life. pic.twitter.com/6sIdJfp1ss
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 2, 2015
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is doing his final preparations for tonight’s debate.
A little while ago, he posted a picture of himself on Twitter, saying: “Just catching up on a few stats and figures before the #leadersdebate tonight.”
Just catching up on a few stats and figures before the #leadersdebate tonight. #StrongerEconomy#FairerSociety. pic.twitter.com/JQuT7zQoZr
— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) April 2, 2015
The first images of the spin room at ITV are coming out.
Spin Room for the #leadersdebate already getting busy pic.twitter.com/esg6asbqKB
— Kevin Jackson (@kevinnjackson) April 2, 2015
Former Tory Foreign Secretary William Hague has defended Cameron on BBC news, saying that the prime minister should be trusted to get the economy back on track.
.@WilliamJHague A choice between a PM with a strong record & six other that would spell chaos, higher spending & higher taxes #leadersdebate
— CCHQ Press Office (@CCHQPress) April 2, 2015
Dylan Sharpe of the Sun has written a witty "15 things that will definitely happen during the Leaders' Debate" including Nicola Sturgeon saying "I agree with Ed" and Natalie Bennett making a "cack-handed" reference to that LBC interview.
One former Number 10 adviser has tweeted his thoughts about the forthcoming debate. Theo Bertram welcomes the appearance of women, but thinks there needs to be a broader scope of questions.
It's a bad thing there are 7 leaders in this debate but a good thing that there will be women - something even the Americans can't advise on
— Theo Bertram (@theobertram) April 2, 2015
Across the three debates, we had dozens of questions, all on themed topics - foreign affairs, economy and so on. This time just 4.
— Theo Bertram (@theobertram) April 2, 2015
During the debate itself, ComRes and YouGov will be doing snap-polls to determine who is winning. ITV will also be providing a "Rate the Debate" service where viewers can join the discussion online and decide whether they agree or disagree with the leader.
Pollsters confirmed (that we know of) for snap-polls following the 7-way debate: YouGov ComRes
— Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 2, 2015
David Cameron, on the other hand, spent his morning at the Kings Leadership Academy in Warrington making jokes about inflicting grievous bodily harm on Nigel Farage.
"So shall I get Nigel Farage and put him on the floor?" David Cameron to a jiujitsu-loving pupil at the King's Leadership Academy
— Niall Paterson (@skynewsniall) April 2, 2015
Cameron unfortunately later confirmed that it was a joke.
Nigel Farage was recorded earlier in the day saying that he hoped the "truth will come out" during the evening's proceedings.
He added that he was "pleased at least there is a debate, and I'm sorry there are so many people on the panel”. He confirmed that, unsurprisingly, he would be pushing the issue of immigration during the standoff.
The guardian have obtained a briefing document from ITV, which says that the most criticised leaders will be given more time to respond by the host, Julie Etchingham.
The leaders’ offices were told: “Some leaders may have more time speaking during the programme than others, taking into account the different roles and responsibilities of the individual leaders. All leaders will have an appropriate opportunity to be heard during the programme but an equality of time speaking will not be a measure of overall fairness.”
Natalie Bennett has spoken to the Press Association about the "car crash" interview she gave to LBC radio, and whether or not it will happen again.
“Well, I haven’t got a bad cold this time and I’ve prepared and preparations have been well in hand.”
“I think we are just going to have to see what happens tonight. It really is unpredictable, it is a new era of British politics, a new era of multi-party politics in Britain, and this is a chance for voters to hear a lot of different voices that they mightn’t have heard before" she added.
The latest polls from Ipsos Mori suggest that the leader of a party is no longer the most important factor when deciding who to vote for.
This news will be welcome to poor embittered Nick Clegg, who told BuzzFeed News earlier that he could "do a cartwheel" and it would still leave some people "unimpressed".
“Of course it’s not going to be the same as five years ago,” the deputy prime minister added “I’m much more familiar to people now – those are the pros and cons of spending five years in government. I’m proud of so many things we’ve done but it comes with the scratches, blemishes and bruises you get along the way in government".
Fewer people than ever say party leaders influence their vote. Good for Miliband #massdebate#ge2015pic.twitter.com/DPBQ8XYBTF
— Ben Page, Ipsos MORI (@benatipsosmori) April 2, 2015
Leader of the Greens, Natalie Bennett, was welcomed in Manchester by activists.
. @natalieben meeting up with @TheGreenParty activists in Manchester before the debate << RT @JamieRoss7: BENNETT. https://t.co/PVa8Q9wNfw
— Scott Redding (@Scott_Redding) April 2, 2015
Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP and the First Minister of Scotland, arrived in Salford ahead of this evening's showdown. She called the debate "progressive" and heralded an era of change in Westminster.
"This election is unprecedented in modern times and is a unique opportunity for voters in all parts of the UK.
"And tonight's historic debate signals that it is not just Scotland that wants change, but people across the whole of the UK - it shows the mould of two- and three-party politics at Westminster has been broken.
"The Westminster establishment is being challenged as never before - and the likelihood of no single party commanding an overall majority is a great opportunity to bring about the change that people are looking for.
"In tonight's debate the public will, for the first time, be able to hear all the main options open to them on May 7 instead of being stuck with a dismal contest of Labour and the Tories competing over who can cut public services the most.
"Tonight's debate will hear a real progressive alternative to Westminster cuts. The SNP will be a positive and constructive voice, willing and ready to join forces with others in a progressive alliance to end austerity and to protect vital public services like the NHS."
Farage is coming out on top at the bookmakers. The odds at Ladbrokes:
Nigel Farage 6/4
Ed Milliband 3/1
David Cameron 7/2
Nicola Sturgeon 8/1
Nick Clegg 12/1
Leanne Wood 20/1
Natalie Bennett 25/1
Ladbrokes will use the post-debate poll from YouGov to decide who has won.
5 post-debate polls tonight YouGov ICM/Guardian ComRes/ITV Survation/Mirror Ipsos MORI Ladbrokes are using YGov as the verdict on who won.
— May2015 (@May2015NS) April 2, 2015
The theme of LibDem leader Nick Clegg's interviews has been to persuade viewers and listeners that the next government will be centred around numerous parties, and is unlikely to have an outright winner.
He told the BBC at lunchtime that the seven-way debate was a reflection of current British politics. He added that Cameron and Miliband want to go back to an era when two party politics was the only form of politics, saying "thankfully has become much more fluid than that”.
Ed Miliband started the day with a surge in popularity, after his interview with Absolute Radio saw him show a rare human side, with listeners tuning in to hear about his preferred choice of curry and childhood love of cricket.
When asked if he liked his curry as hot as the PM, the Labour leader joked that it "showed what a tough guy he is".
Listeners said that Miliband's admission to being a total "geek" had really changed their perceptions of him.
Absolute Radio ❤ #RT Ed Miliband admits 'blubbing' at film Pride as he 'pleads guilty to being a geek' - Daily Mail http://t.co/aYLqX1FzMR
— Because Geek (@BecauseGeek) April 2, 2015
oh my god I fancy Ed Miliband so much now
— Lauren Radice (@laurenradice) April 2, 2015