Blair urged to duck ‘banal’ TV debate with Tory leader Hague, records show
![Blair urged to duck ‘banal’ TV debate with Tory leader Hague, records show](https://www.expressandstar.com/resizer/BplW9q8ynfasa3714pFf2FJz7Uo=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/mna/4AMJROU44RB2LIEK2W6BJVX44Y.jpg)
Newly released government files show Labour aides advised there was nothing to gain from an election head-to-head.
Prime minister Tony Blair was strongly urged by aides not to give in to opposition demands for a TV debate with his Tory rival in the run-up to the 2001 general election, according to newly released government files.