BBC cancels plan for Brexit debate with Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn

'It is a shame we will not be able to bring them this programme' a BBC statement said

The BBC has scrapped its plans to hold a potential Brexit debate between Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn after failing to find a proposal suiting both party leaders.

In a statement, the organisation said they were "disappointed" an agreement could not be reached for a televised debate before the crucial vote on the prime minister's deal in seven days' time.

The decision came after Labour made clear on Tuesday that Mr Corbyn would take part in a debate on the BBC with Ms May, but objected to the "mish-mash" proposal and instead demanded a "straightforward head-to-head".

But in a statement - published after the latest demand - the BBC confirmed it was withdrawing from the process following a week of negotiations between the Labour leader's aides and advisers in Downing Street.

The BBC said: "We have been clear throughout the whole of this process that, as well as a substantive head-to-head debate, any programme we broadcast would need to include other voices, including other political parties, to reflect the wide range of views the public and parliamentarians hold about Brexit."

They added: "The final proposal we put to both of the main parties was for a head-to-head debate between the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition, followed by a discussion between eight panellists, including politicians, with a wide range of views on Brexit, and ending with further head-to-head debate and closing statements.

"We believe ours was a fair and appropriate format for those taking part and, crucially, for our audiences around the country, and it is a shame we will not be able to bring them this programme."

A debate on Sunday, however, could still go ahead if Downing Street accepts a second offer from ITV for a head-to-head debate with Mr Corbyn.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Labour leader said: "The BBC's latest proposal is a mish-mash, with a lop-sided panel of other politicians and public figures, not a straightforward head-to-head debate. The BBC could - as ITV and Sky have proposed to do - fairly represent other viewpoints and parties in other programmes on its network.

"The public has a right to a genuine head-to-head debate on the Prime Minister's worst-of-all-worlds deal.

"If the Prime Minister turns down the opportunity of a genuine head-to-head debate, it will be clear she is once again dodging a TV debate with the leader of the opposition on the future of our country."

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister issued the original challenge to Jeremy Corbyn for a head to head debate, and despite her flexibility on timing and format, Jeremy Corbyn and Labour have done nothing but raise false and flimsy objections to the BBC’s proposal.

“There was a sensible and balanced proposal on the table but Jeremy Corbyn refused to take part. He is running scared of proper scrutiny, but we remain committed to holding a debate and will continue to press for a format that ensures a range of voices are heard alongside a substantial head to head.”