IT IS perhaps predictable but nevertheless depressing to hear David Cameron running scared from engaging in pre-election debates in 2015.

After the debacle of backing Maria Miller, this would surely be a perfect opportunity for him to improve the reputation of politicians by demonstrating accountability and transparency.

While TV debates are an imperfect form of democracy with an emphasis potentially on personality over policy, they nevertheless proved to engage the general public in 2010.

If he continues to prevaricate and not engage in meaningful negotiations, then surely the other party leaders should cut him out and proceed with debates without him.

That may not only concentrate his mind but also allow the general electorate to make their own decisions why he is so apprehensive at justifying his punitive attacks on the poorest in society.

Richard Bridge, Holgate Road, York.