David Cameron concerned about TV debates

With the first of the General Election debates starting on Thursday, David Cameron says he fears the public will be 'short changed'.

His concern is that with only eight questions likely in 90 minutes, the format of the programme is in danger of being 'slow and sluggish'.

The Conservative leader is drawing from his experience of Cameron Direct public meetings in which he answers 25 questions in an hour.

The debates are taking place on three successive Thursday nights. Half of each debate will have a theme: domestic affairs, international matters, and the economy respectively. The second half of each session will be a “free debate.”

Speaking in Southwark, David Cameron said: "I hope the public won't feel short changed...I think we've got to make sure the public feel they're getting their questions answered."

The first TV Election Debate will be presented by Alistair Stewart from 8.30pm to 10pm on ITV1.