HS2, rewilding and climate crime: party leaders clash in first-ever climate debate

Both prime minister Boris Johnson and Brexit party leader Nigel Farage were invited to attend by Channel 4 but declined to turn up, their places taken by sculptures of melting ice.

The Conservatives’ proposal to field former environment secretary Michael Gove instead was rejected, sparking off a row about claimed political bias by the broadcaster and a complaint to media watchdog Ofcom. Channel 4 replied simply that it was a debate solely for party leaders and as such Gove did not qualify. Nevertheless, he attempted to gain entry anyway, accompanied by Johnson’s father Stanley.