Stop refusing to take part in the Lincoln General Election Debate, alongside Lucy Rigby and other MP candidates.

Lincoln's Tory MP Karl McCartney has refused to debate with Lincoln Labour's Lucy Rigby and other candidates in a historic general election debate organised jointly by the BBC, The Lincolnite and the Lincolnshire Echo. We believe that Mr McCartney should reverse his decision and attend the debate.

Debates are good for democracy and encourage more people to become interested in the issues people in Lincoln face.  It is highly irresponsible of Mr McCartney to refuse to attend.

Mr McCartney suggests that he may have a diary clash (despite being notified of the date months ago); he also suggests that the venue is not suitable and that the debate would not be impartial. We do not believe that these are valid or credible excuses. Rather it looks like Mr McCartney cannot defend his record and is frightened of a debate. He should develop a backbone and turn up to the debate!

Yours,

Joshua David Grinsell