Jeremy Corbyn to make last minute BBC debate appearance despite Theresa May boycott

Jeremy Corbyn will make a last minute appearance in tonight's seven-way debate on the BBC after calling on a "weak" Theresa May to "come and have a chat." 

The Prime Minister has appointed a stand-in to take part in the debate and is boycotting the event.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, is expected to step up to the plate to bat for the Tories.

She will square off against the Labour leader, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, Ukip's Paul Nuttall, the SNP's Angus Robertson, Green co-leader Caroline Lucas and Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood.

Announcing that he will attend the televised debate in Cambridge, Mr Corbyn said:“I will be taking part in tonight's debate because I believe we must give people the chance to hear and engage with the leaders of the main parties before they vote.

“I have never been afraid of a debate in my life. Labour’s campaign has been about taking our polices to people across the country and listening to the concerns of voters.

“The Tories have been conducting a stage-managed arms-length campaign and have treated the public with contempt. Refusing to join me in Cambridge tonight would be another sign of Theresa May’s weakness, not strength.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) waits to be interviewed by Channel 4s Jeremy Paxman
British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) waits to be interviewed by Channel 4s Jeremy Paxman Credit: STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP

Looking directly into the camera during a campaigning  event in London, Mr Corbyn  said: "Come on prime minister, come and have a chat, come and have a debate.

"I can be ever so polite but there are a number of questions I want to put to you."

He added that there was "something very odd" about Monday's TV debate, when Mrs May was "hiding upstairs" while he was being interviewed on set. 

The two leaders were both separately asked questions by voters on Monday night before they were questioned by Jeremy Paxman.

Mrs May was given a tough time by some voters, particularly over her plans for the funding of social care through the so-called “dementia tax” and means-testing winter fuel payments.

She was also heckled at one point by audience members when she said Labour’s manifesto sums did not “add up”, as voters pointed out that the Conservative manifesto did not contain any costings at all.

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