Theresa May challenges Corbyn to Brexit TV debate on eve of parliament’s vote
Theresa May has thrown down the gauntlet to her Labour rival over Brexit, challenging Jeremy Corbyn to a televised debate.
The Prime Minister claimed the Labour leader hasn’t got a plan for Brexit, despite criticising the deal she is trying to win support for ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote next month.
“I am willing to stand up and explain why I think it is the best possible deal available for the UK,” she told The Sun.
“I am going to be explaining why I think this deal is the right deal for the UK – and yes, I am ready to debate it with Jeremy Corbyn. Because I have got a plan. He hasn't got a plan.”
Reports of a TV debate first emerged in the Telegraph yesterday, and a Labour spokesman told the publication that Corbyn would “relish a head to head debate” to discuss May’s “botched” withdrawal agreement.
May added: “Exactly how it might be done, if he takes it up, would be a matter for the broadcasters to determine. What I think is important is that people are able to see the issues around this plan.
"I am willing to stand up and explain why I think it is the best possible deal available for the UK.”
The debate is reportedly set to take place on 9 December, just two days before parliament’s meaningful vote on whether or not to accept May’s Brexit deal, which has faced criticism from all sides.
MPs are unhappy with May’s backstop plan, which would tie the UK into a customs union with the EU it cannot quit of its own accord.
“I do not pretend that either we or the EU are entirely happy with these arrangements. And that’s how it must be – were either party entirely happy, that party would have no incentive to move on to the future relationship,” May told the House of Commons yesterday.
President Donald Trump yesterday weighed in on the debate, calling the deal “great for the EU”.