David Cameron has welcomed the announcement that all three main party leaders have agreed to participate in TV debates during the General Election campaign 2010, to be hosted by ITV, SKY and the BBC.
"I am absolutely delighted that these debates are going to happen", he said.
"I first called for them in May 2007 and since then, whether we’ve been up in the polls or down in the polls, I’ve kept the pressure up. So now they’re finally going to happen I’m proud of the part we’ve played in making this particular part of British political history."
He expressed his hope that the debates will play a part in helping to restore trust in politics.
"We will have the chance to talk to millions of people in our country who are fed up with politics, fed up with politicians, think we’re all the same, think nothing changes. We’ve a chance to convince them it could be different; we can go in a different direction if we get rid of this failed Labour government and get a better one."
As well as trust, he said they will also help to get people engaged in politics. "I think they could get people more excited about this election, more likely to take part. And there’s a great opportunity to be able to talk to millions of people about the change we want to bring in this country".
"I think people have got a right to look at the people putting themselves forward as our next Prime Minister and to see the choice, then they can make up their own minds. Members of my Shadow Cabinet will also be challenging members of the Cabinet to debates."
Cameron added that there is "a big choice facing Britain" at this election: five more years of Gordon Brown or change with the Conservatives. "That’s why I really relish the challenge the debates will bring", he said.