British leaders begin historic TV debate

LONDON, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of three main political parties in Britain began a historic TV debate on Thursday evening in Manchester in the run-up to the country's general election, to be held on May 6.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, also the Labor party leader, opposition Conservative party leader David Cameron, and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg made a one-minute opening statements before debating eight questions chosen by viewers and a 200-strong audience over 90 minutes.

During the first ever TV debate in British political history, Brown warned against a double-dip recession and vowed to protect the National Health Service, police and schools from spending cuts, while Cameron promised to restore trust after the expenses scandal.

Clegg urged voters to "do something different this time" by supporting his party.

The first debate focusing on domestic affairs is being broadcast by ITV, and the host, Alistair Stewart, described it as "history in the making." The three leaders have so far covered the topics of immigration, law and order, parliamentary reforms as well as education.

On immigration, Brown said Labor's points-based system is working to give the country the skills it needs. Cameron argued that immigration is "simply too high," with too much pressure on services, and that it must be brought down, with limits on immigrants from beyond the EU. Clegg also spoke out against Cameron's plan for a cap on the number of people coming into the country.

On political reform, Clegg accused the other leaders of saying much and doing little to clean up politics, calling it a "betrayal. " Brown said he agreed with the Lib Dem leader that reform is needed, saying the Tory idea of cutting the number of members of Parliament (MPs) will reduce representation for voters, and arguing the size of the House of Lords should be reduced by half.

But Cameron said Labor has had 13 years to sort out the House of Lords but not done it. Cutting MPs by 10 percent will cut costs and do a better job, he added.

On education, the prime minister said education budgets should not be cut. The Tory leader argued that discipline in schools must be improved. His Lib Dem rival also called for more freedom for staff, which will happen with "good, old-fashioned smaller class sizes."

On defense policy, Clegg said British troops are under-equipped and underpaid and that they should be the priority, rather than replacing the Trident nuclear deterrent. But Brown said the government is "doing the right thing by our troops" and is increasing spending on equipment, and he would not send troops into battle unprepared. Cameron said the Tories have had to fight a battle in Parliament to stop cuts to training for the Territorial Army.