BBC details Nations TV debate coverage

BBC News has confirmed plans to provide coverage for political parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland around the planned televised election debates.

The BBC, Sky and ITV have now reached a joint deal with Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Conservative leader David Cameron for the main prime ministerial debate format.

Bound by its remit to uphold impartiality, the corporation has now moved to confirm its coverage plans for the Nations and other smaller political parties.

Separate party leader debates will be held by the BBC in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, most likely on May 2 if the general Election falls on May 6. The BBC is now holding talks with all relevant political parties to secure their involvement in the debates.

Plans are also in place to ensure that fringe parties are given a platform to air their views and respond to the main prime ministerial discussion. Immediately after the BBC's debate, BBC One's News At Ten will carry contributions from other parties, including UKIP, the Green Party and the BNP.

There will be additional opt-outs on BBC Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so that smaller parties can give their views on the issues being discussed, while BBC Two's Newsnight programme will feature fringe political leaders in its Scotland and Wales editions.

The following morning after the main UK debate, BBC Radio 4's Today programme will feature full interviews with representatives from the SNP, Plaid Cymru, UKIP, the Green Party and the BNP.

As well as streaming the prime ministerial debate live, BBC Online will carry video clips featuring reaction from smaller political parties, including those in Northern Ireland.

Good Morning Scotland, Good Morning Wales and Good Morning Ulster will also host full reaction to the main UK debate from the major political parties in each country.

A BBC news spokesman said: "We believe the national debates, and these additional specific and guaranteed opportunities to air views about the UK-wide debate, will ensure due impartiality is achieved in line with the BBC's Election Guidelines."