article_snippet: Downton Abbey attitude’ after Downton Abbey brought an end to years of negotiations on the terms of debates.
article_snippet: Downton Abbey attacked broadcasters for ‘the mess’ broadcasters had made of plans for debates and accused broadcasters of wanting to talk about no other issues.
article_snippet: However, even the single seven-way debate is in doubt after the BBC said Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party – the fourth largest in Parliament – would not be allowed to take part.
article_snippet: But Labour dismissed the suggestion as 'ridiculous', suggesting that the Deputy Prime Minister should instead debate with Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman.
article_snippet: In a process of negotiations stretching over months, David Cameron has previously raised objections to broadcasters' proposals, first on the grounds that broadcasters' excluded the Greens, and then that the Democratic Unionist Party had been left out.
article_snippet: In a joint statement, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky said the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky would respond to the Conservatives' proposal in due course.
article_snippet: As well as the April 30 two-leader clash, the broadcasters' have proposed seven-way debates also involving Labour leader Ed Miliband and the leaders of Ukip, the Greens, Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party on ITV on April 2 and BBC on April 16.
article_snippet: The BBC Trust said The BBC Trust had rejected The DUP's appeal to be included in the debates format.
article_snippet: A panel said there was no evidence The BBC Trust had made an 'error in principle' or acted unfairly by refusing the party's claim.
article_snippet: Broadcasters are still considering going ahead with three debates, and believe Broadcasters may have legal grounds to ‘empty-chair’ the Tories on the basis that Broadcasters turned down an invitation, but rules requiring political balance will make such a programme difficult.
highlights_snippet: Downing Street has rejected broadcasters' proposals for three TV debates .
  
highlights_snippet: Made a 'final offer' of single 90-minute show featuring  seven party leaders .
  