We’ll offer a real Brexit debate, says Channel 4

Host Krishnan Guru-Murthy at a previous Channel 4 Brexit debate. Photograph: Aaron Chown. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has promised to offer a ‘real debate’ on Brexit, as the BBC and ITV battle it out to win over the Labour and Tory leaders.

Guru-Murthy said that the BBC proposal for a debate sounded like ‘gimmicky crap’.

The broadcaster is proposing a 12-strong panel of ‘prominent’ campaigners – such as backbench politicians and celebrity figures – who would ask questions directly to the two leaders on the Brexit deal but would be focused on the deal and not other issues around on Brexit.

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While Theresa May has signed up for this option, Jeremy Corbyn is said to prefer ITV’s proposal, which would attract a ‘bigger, more diverse audience.’

Nigel Farage, Sir John Curtice, Justice Secretary David Gauke, Shadow Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and host Krishnan Guru-Murthy at the Channel 4 Brexit debate at the Custard factory, Birmingham. Photograph: Aaron Chown. – Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Labour are keen that the debate does not clash with the final of I’m A Celebrity so that it reaches the biggest possible numbers.

Channel 4 News’ Krishnan Guru-Murthy has said that it will offer a ‘real Brexit debate’ featuring politicians that support all of the Brexit options on the table.

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He tweeted: ‘No surprise Downing Street (with an ex BBC editor in charge) wants to do the BBC1. No surprise Labour likes ITV. Channels 1 and 3 add up to Channel 4. A better answer to the disagreement.’

He added: ‘Whatever happens Channel 4 will want to do The Real Brexit Debate – with the likes of Boris Johnson, Nicola Sturgeon, Chuka Umunna debating the actual options.’