TV Debates: 'Go To Court', Greens Told

The Green Party should take legal action if they want to be involved in televised leaders' debates ahead of the General Election, a former leader of the Liberal Democrats has told Sky News.

Speaking on Murnaghan programme, Lord Ashdown said the party shouldn't "hide behind the Prime Minister", who has made it clear he won't take part unless the Greens are included.

The PM's stance has led to him being accused of "running scared" by Labour leader Ed Miliband.

But Mr Cameron hit back at PMQs on Wednesday , asking his rival: "Why is he so chicken when he comes to the Greens?"

Mr Miliband, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and UKIP's Nigel Farage have all written identical letters to Mr Cameron , calling on him to take part.

Mr Ashdown said: "If it's the case the Greens want in then it's perfectly clear what they should do.

"Not hide behind the Prime Minister, but go to court.

"There is legislation, they can challenge it, let them do that."

Caroline Lucas, the Green Party's first MP elected to Westminster, told Sky News that "however you cut the cake, the Greens should be included".

When asked about the prospect of taking legal action, she said: "Well we are exploring and have been exploring precisely that so the idea that we are somehow cowering behind David Cameron is one that I would refute.

"Of course we're taking legal advice and will continue to do so but I also hope that Ofcom and the broadcasters will look at what the public are saying."

The Conservatives' reasoning behind the stance is that the Green Party is polling better than the Lib Dems and has had an MP in the House of Commons since 2010.

Senior Tories have blamed the three debates, which were watched by more than 20 million people, for Mr Cameron's failure to win an overall majority at the last election.