TV leaders' debate as it happened: News and analysis from the seven-way party leader discussion live on ITV
Live coverage of the event plus reaction afterwards
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.The only head-to-head debate of the general election campaign between Britain's seven political parties is now over.
At the two-hour event in Manchester, the leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Ukip, Greens, SNP and Plaid Cymru clashed on the deficit, the NHS, immigration and the future of Britain's political system.
Nigel Farage caused controversy tonight for saying the NHS should not help foreigners with HIV.
If you missed them, here are the other latest updates from the day's politics:
• ‘You should be ashamed of yourself’ Farage told as he lashes out at foreigners with HIV
• How each leader performed in the ITV discussion
• No knockout punches but a good night for balance in politics
• Just who are the seven political party leaders debating each other?
• 'Shall I use jiu jitsu to put Nigel Farage on the floor?' asks Cameron
• Ed Miliband delivers strongest interview yet
Please allow the live blog a moment to load
On 7 May, the British public will decide who is to lead the country for the next five years, and what sort of nation the UK will be.
The polls have Labour and the Conservative Party neck and neck, making this one of the most exciting election build-ups for generations.
Yet with neither guaranteed to get a majority on their own, this election will also see a hugely important role played by all of Ukip, the SNP, the Greens, the Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments