General election debate – live: Tory minister interrogated over Brexit and NHS crisis, as David Attenborough rebukes ‘disgraceful’ Boris Johnson
Follow all the latest developments
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.Party leaders are braced for a televised grilling in the first seven-way debate of the election – but Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn are expected to snub the clash.
Senior members of the Tories, Labour, the Greens, Lib Dems, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Brexit Party will each face questions from the audience at a BBC debate in Cardiff, chaired by Nick Robinson.
It comes amid tensions between the BBC and the Tories over Mr Johnson’s refusal to confirm an interview with Andrew Neil, and criticism from David Attenborough over his decision to snub a climate change debate.
The prime minister instead took part in a radio phone-in on LBC, where he was confronted over his past comments about single mothers.
Labour's Rebecca Long Bailey says "it's right that Jeremy's taken a neutral stance" and says Mr Corbyn can be an "honest broker". She raises a smile on social media by calling Michel Barnier "Michael Barnier".
A quick-fire question round: asked if they'd use a nuke: Sturgeon, Price, and Lucas say no, never – Swinson, Sunak, Tice, and Long-Bailey say yes.
An audience member asks about the NHS being up for sale in a post-Brexit trade deal.
Tory Rishi Sunak says "The NHS is not for sale, never has been, and never will be".
Labour's Rebecca Long-Bailey says documents uncovered this week show that drug prices would have to rise as part of a trade deal with the US - and detail meetings with US trade negotiators about the service.
She says the evidence if "clear for all to see". Nicola Sturgeon agrees and says I "simply do not trust him", referring to Boris Johnson.
Caroline Lucas says "why would we trust Boris Johnson?" listing previous lies and misleading things he's said about the health service, such as on recruiting nurses and building hospitals.
Brexiteer Richard Tice repeatedly talks over the women speakers saying "its ludicrous, its nonsense". Sunak says the criticisms are a "desperate conspiracy theory". Swinson says Brexit will make it all worse.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments