Four out of five would like to see Green Party leader in 2015 election's TV leadership debates
Data was gathered by pollster ICM and showed 79 per cent would support inclusion of Green Party leader
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four out of five people believe the Green Party leader should be included in the 2015 election’s TV leadership debates.
The ICM poll, which asked 1001 people of different ages from across the country whether they thought the leader of the Green Party should be included, found 79 per cent supported inviting a representative from the environmental party.
The data comes just months after major broadcasters – including the BBC – confirmed they will not include the Green Party in the TV debates, despite inviting Ukip leader Nigel Farage.
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett said: "It is clear from votes and polls that the public are fed up with the three business-as-usual parties and are looking around for alternatives.”
“The public want a serious debate in which they hear the full range of views.”
Support for a Green member at the debates was highest among individuals aged 35-44 and among women, according to polling data.
Mrs Bennett, who claimed that the Green party has seen membership “more than double” over the last year, argued her party brings a “positive alternative” to the three main parties.
In October the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 all announced joint plans to hold three debates in the six weeks before polling day. The first would be head-to-head between Conservative leader David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband, the second would include Nick Clegg and the third Nigel Farage.
Around 200,000 people signed an online petition calling for the party to receive equal coverage.
The broadcasters’ stood by their decision claiming that the Greens have not seen the same rapid increase in support as Ukip.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments