Channel 4 News will broadcast a special live programme, Scotland Decides, bringing together the leaders of Scotland’s six largest political parties for the only leaders’ debate to be shown nationally across the UK.
Hosted by Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru‑Murthy, the debate will be broadcast live from Glasgow at 7pm on Tuesday 14 April, giving voters across Scotland and the UK the opportunity to hear directly from party leaders as they set out their priorities and respond to each other under studio scrutiny.
The leaders taking part in the debate are:
- Scottish National Party (SNP): John Swinney, Scottish First Minister
- Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party: Russell Findlay
- Scottish Labour: Anas Sarwar
- Scottish Green Party: Gillian Mackay
- Scottish Liberal Democrats: Alex Cole‑Hamilton
- Scottish Reform: Lord Malcolm Offord
Scotland Decides will focus on the key issues facing voters in Scotland, with rigorous questioning and direct exchanges between the party leaders. The programme will offer viewers an impartial, in‑depth examination of policy differences and leadership approaches at a critical moment in Scottish politics.
Guru-Murthy has covered every British General Election since 1992, hosted numerous election debate programmes and anchored Channel 4 News election results coverage in both the UK and the US.
He said: “Scotland Decides brings together the leaders of Scotland’s main political parties for a great opportunity to engage directly with each other, and with voters. With so many issues shaping Scotland’s future, this is a moment for clear answers, sharp challenge and meaningful debate.”
Esme Wren, editor of Channel 4 News, added: “Channel 4 News is committed to providing rigorous, independent political journalism, across all the nations and regions. Scotland Decides reflects that mission, offering audiences across the UK a distinctive, authoritative debate that scrutinises those seeking to lead Scotland at a pivotal time.”
The live broadcast will air on Channel 4 News at 7pm next Tuesday (April 14) and across Channel 4 News’ digital platforms, ensuring that audiences in Scotland and around the UK can follow the debate in real time as it unfolds.
