The first TV debate for the upcoming UK general election has been announced. It will feature a head-to-head discussion between Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, and Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party. The debate is scheduled to be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, and STV, and will take place on June 4 at 9pm local time.
This event, titled “Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate,” will be moderated by Julie Etchingham, who has previously moderated the 2015, 2017, and 2019 ITV debates. It promises to be an engaging hour-long session, held live in front of a studio audience.
The debate is part of ITV’s broader election coverage, which will also include an interview program with other party leaders and a multi-party debate. The BBC and Channel 4 are also planning extensive coverage with their own debates and special programming. This marks a significant moment in the election campaign, providing voters with the opportunity to hear directly from the two main party leaders.
Rishi Sunak told ITV News he was looking forward to the debate.
“The choice at this election is increasingly clear,” he said. “Bold action with a clear plan for a more secure future with the Conservatives or back to square one with no plan or no certainty with Labour.”
Sir Keir also said that he was looking forward to the debate.
“I get the chance to talk directly to your viewers and to make our argument. To say to them the choice is really clear. You’ve had 14 years of chaos, division and failure – we can turn a page on that and usher in rebuilding with Labour.”