When is the General Election debate between Sunak and Starmer? How to watch and the exact time the discussion is happening
- The date for a first televised General Election debate before polling day is set
- There are also plans for more debates at some point in the coming weeks
- So, when is the first debate and how can we tune in? Find out below
The date for a first televised General Election debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer has been set for a month ahead of polling day on July 4.
The pair had previously agreed in principle to taking part in the event despite the leader of the opposition declining the Prime Minister's invitation to a TV debate every single week in the lead up to the election.
Labour indicated that they would participate in two head-to-head debates in the election run-in - the same number we saw Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn face off in five years ago.
There are also plans for a 'multi-party debate' and a second head-to-head.
So, when is the first TV debate going to be and how can we tune in?
The date for a first televised General Election debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer has been set for next Tuesday, starting at 9pm on ITV1 and STV
What time is the general election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer?
Mr Sunak and Sir Keir will have their first head-to head on June 4 a month to the day before people head to the polls.
Starting at 9pm, the programme will last an hour as questions are posed by the presenter and the audience.
The tradition of live TV debates before a General Election was started in 2010, making this the fifth time we will be able to watch the contenders for the UK's top job make their cases for their parties.
This year's PM candidates will have a second face-off on June 26.
How to watch Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer's general election debate?
A second debate between the two is expected, but Labour declined Tory attempts to hold six TV debates between the leaders - one each week before polling day on July 4
ITV will be hosting the first debate, titled Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate, which will be broadcast live from 9pm to 10pm on ITV1 and STV.
It will then be available to watch on demand via ITVX and STV Player.
ITV's director of news and current affairs, Michael Jermey, said: 'Millions of viewers value the election debates.
'They provide a chance to see and hear the party leaders set out their pitch to the country, debate directly with each other and take questions from voters.
'ITV is pleased to be broadcasting the first debate in this year's election campaign.'
The BBC will be hosting the second and final head-to-head between Sir Keir and Mr Sunak, with the national broadcaster also hosting a Question Time special with the leaders of the four main parties on June 20, and a larger debate between leaders of the seven largest parties on Friday, June 7.
Who is the moderator for the general election debate?
ITV news anchor Julie Etchingham will be fronting Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate as both presenter and moderator
ITV news anchor Julie Etchingham will be fronting the channel's show as both presenter and moderator.
Ms Etchingham also hosted debates in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
The BBC's headline debate on June 26 will be moderated by Sophie Raworth, with Mishal Husein hosting the seven-way debate on June 7.
The task of putting on the TV events had been made more difficult by the fact that the BBC and ITV have large pre-existing commitments to the Euro 2024 football tournament - with ITV's first debate coming the night after warm up games for both England and Scotland.
