Climate election debate: ‘Coward’ Boris Johnson replaced by melting ice sculpture as he avoids TV clash amid outrage over NHS remarks

Channel 4 commission ice sculpture to replace Boris Johnson in tonight's climate debate 

It appears that reports of an ice sculpture replacing Boris Johnson in tonight's Channel 4 debate are true - mostly. The Telegraph has found a company that confirms it has produced a sculpture for the show.

However, it appears that those expecting a lifesize carving of the prime minister may be disappointed - it seems that the sculpture will be of a chair, which will melt during the course of the debate, rather than of Johnson himself.

Boris Johnson responds to row over single mother comments

Boris Johnson has responded to controversy over his past comments about single mothers.

The prime minister was criticised after it emerged that, in an article in 1995, he described women who have children "in the absence of a husband' as "uppity and irresponsible".

Asked about the row during a campaign visit, the prime minister said:

"I think this is sort of breaking new records really to disinter and distort pieces that are almost 25 years old - this is a quarter of a century old, these quotes that are being culled.

"Never mind that, the reason I think it is happening is because Labour has been exposed as a party that on the central issue before the country today has no policy."

Johnson refuses to commit to Andrew Neil interview

Boris Johnson has refused to commit to an interview with Andrew Neil, despite the other party leaders having agreed to be grilled by the BBC journalist.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Johnson said he would make himself available for "all kinds of inquisitions and interrogations" until the 12 December election.

He said: "Here I am being interviewed by you, I don't think I have barely stopped being interviewed by people since the election began and will continue to submit to all kinds of inquisitions and interrogations until polling day."

He added:

"I'm in discussion with all sorts of people about all sorts of interviews and look forward to doing many, many more..."I'm going to do many, many interviews over the course of the next few days and I'm sure that people are having all sorts of conversations right now about who I'm going to be talking to when and where and I look forward to it very much."

Johnson and Farage to be replaced by ice sculptures

Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage will be replaced by two ice sculptures during tonight's climate change debate, Channel 4 has confirmed.

Ben de Pear, editor of Channel 4 News, said:

"These two ice sculptures represent the emergency on planet earth, not in any human form but are a visual metaphor for the Conservative and Brexit parties after their leaders declined our repeated invitations to attend tonight’s vital climate debate.”

Full story:

Michael Gove has shown up to the leaders' debate to try and take Boris Johnson's place. He was politely rebuffed by Channel 4 staff, who noted that he wasn't a leader

The Conservatives have now turned to attacking Channel 4 over the climate debate accusing them of "conspiring with Jeremy Corbyn" – without providing any evidence.

The party has also written to Ofcom to complain about the broadcaster, claiming that refusing to make special arrangements for them and let Michel Gove stand in as a leader "effectively seeks to deprive the Conservative Party of any representation and attendance at the Channel 4 News debate"

A Tory spokesperson said:

“We are deeply disappointed that Channel 4 News has conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from making the case for tackling climate change and protecting the environment in this evening's debate.

"Under this Government the UK was the first advanced economy in the world to legislate for a net zero target and we’ve reduced emissions faster than any other advanced economy while continuing to grow our economy. Broadcasters have important responsibilities to present a balanced debate representing all parties, and Michael Gove was well qualified to represent the Conservative position at this evening’s debate."

The ice blocks have arrived... they have party logos emblazoned on them 

Labour has leapt to the defence of Channel 4 - Shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis said:

"Boris Johnson is a coward and a bully. He thinks he is born to rule and is so used to getting his own way that he turns nasty when anyone dares challenge him.

"Britain deserves a prime minister that has enough of a backbone to face up to scrutiny."

The Channel 4 climate has started: the broadcaster has brought in three experts who'll fact-check the claims made by the politicians.

Probably a good thing Michel Gove (who said he'd "had enough of experts") didn't make it in.

The leaders are giving their opening statements at the climate debate

Sian Berry, Green, says the other parties will do their best this evening to sound like her party

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour, says the election is the last opportunity to address the climate crisis

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru says that as a new father the climate crisis is personal to him.

Nicola Sturgeon, SNP says she wants Scotland to get to net zero carbon ahead of the rest of the UK.

Jo Swinson, Lib Dems says the climate crisis is "even more important than Brexit" and that "Brexit is a climate crime".