TV debate without Theresa & Jeremy

Theresa May was accused of running scared after dodging a TV debate with the leaders of rival parties.

Both the Prime Minister and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn turned down the invitation to take part in the ITV Leaders' Debate in Salford.

Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Liberal Democrat chief Tim Farron, Ukip's Paul Nuttall, Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood and Green co-leader Caroline Lucas showed up for the prime time debate.

The leaders clashed over Brexit, migration and social care during the programme chaired by Julie Etchingham.

As the debate got under way, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Theresa May, why not debate me?

"The public deserve to see a debate between the only two people who could form the next government.''

Mr Farron said he is determined to stop the return of a "heartless Conservative government''.

He warned: "Theresa May - backed by Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn - is going for an extreme Brexit deal that will damage our future for generations.''

"Brexit would never have happened if it wasn't for Ukip,'' he said.

Ms Sturgeon said only her party can provide a strong Scottish opposition to a Tory government in Westminster committed to an "extreme'' Brexit.

She added: "The next few years will determine the kind of country we become. We need strong opposition holding a Tory government to account, keeping them in check and standing up for the values we hold dear: values of social justice, tolerance and community.''

Ms Wood challenged Mrs May over her decision to miss the debate, using her opening statement to say: "I have a message for the Prime Minister, who I'm sure is watching tonight.

"You may be too scared to come here tonight, for your U-turns to be highlighted, for your cruel policies to be exposed. You want this election to only be about Brexit because that means you avoid talking about the real issues like the NHS, the economy and the cuts you have made to our public services.

"That's weak leadership - weak and unstable.''

Ms Lucas used her opening statement to insist the UK can cope with the serious challenges it faces.

"Never in my lifetime has our future felt so uncertain. Brexit, climate change, an NHS in crisis,'' she said.

"But when people come together and reach for a bigger future, we have shown we can change the course of history.''

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said only his party is "truly committed to the Brexit that people voted for'' in last year's referendum.

Only his party is committed to cutting immigration and slashing the foreign aid budget "that is costing you, the British taxpayer, around £30 million every single day'', he added, promising extra funding for the NHS instead.

"We have taken you so far. Elect Ukip MPs and give us the tools to see this through.''

Insisting "a brighter future is possible'', he added: "Don't give up. The Britain I love is not lost yet.''

• General Election