The BBC, ITV, and Sky yesterday wrote to the three main party leaders with an offer to stage a series of live televised debates during the next General Election campaign.

In a joint statement, the broadcasters said that under their proposal they would stage a series of three debates involving all three leaders - Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Nick Clegg.

Each individual broadcaster would be responsible for producing one debate each, which they would screen live in peak time. It would then be made available to all other British broadcasters.

The broadcasters said that they had formed a joint team to discuss detailed plans with the parties.

"Each of the broadcasters will seek to make suitable arrangements for ensuring due impartiality across the UK," the statement said.

Both Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg have already indicated their willingness to take part in a televised debate.

It was reported that Mr Brown was set to announce during the Labour Party conference in Brighton that he was ready to take up the challenge.

In the event, he said that he had come to a decision but would not be making it known until nearer the time.

The announcement by the broadcasters was welcomed by the Conservatives.

"We are delighted that the broadcasters have responded so positively to our suggestion of a joint bid for these debates, and we look forward to making it happen," a party spokesman said.