London - After a long wrangle, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has agreed to a televised debate ahead of elections, according to media reports Sunday. It was important for the country that party leaders engage in wide-ranging television and radio debates, Brown reportedly said in a letter to Labour supporters.
A televised duel between Brown and his Conservative leader David Cameron would be the first in Britain's history.
Broadcasters BBC, ITV and BSkyB have proposed three live debates between the head of the three leading parties. Cameron and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, have already agreed to a TV debate.
Brown faced public pressure after initially rejecting the idea. British elections are to take place at the latest in May 2010.
