The Chancellor Is Running Scared

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 29th Apr 2005

The Labour Party are focusing on the economy again but Gordon Brown has still not committed himself to a televised debate with his opposite numbers.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Dr Vince Cable, invited Gordon Brown and Oliver Letwin to take part in a televised debate on the economy over two months ago but Gordon Brown has still not responded, despite a number of follow ups and interest from broadcasters.

Dr Cable said:

"It is appalling that Gordon Brown cannot even respond to letters inviting him to a televised public debate.

"It is absolutely essential that the public are given as much information as possible on the policies of each of the parties.

"If the Labour party really feel confident in their economic policies they should be prepared to debate them.

"A precedent was set in 1997 when the then Chancellor Kenneth Clarke agreed to debate with the then Shadow Chancellor, Gordon Brown, and Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Malcolm Bruce.

"I trust that the Chancellor is not running scared and will confirm his willingness to a televised debate before polling day."