Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn have shared an awkward handshake during the UK’s first televised head-to-head election debate.
The two leaders were challenged to step up their game on tackling abuse and poor behaviour in politics, after a tumultuous few years that included the assassination of a Labour MP during the EU referendum campaign.
“There are many people, many politicians indeed, who feel that the nastiness of political debate in this country has got out of control,” said ITV host Julie Etchingham.
“Will you two tonight look at one another and no matter who becomes prime minister make a gesture to improve things today – make a pledge and promise?”
The pair shook hands, and Mr Corbyn said: “The debate in parliament before parliament was dissolved was vicious and horrible and some terrible remarks were made particularly to and about women MPs”.
He said Mr Johnson had sent a representative to a meeting he convened about the issue that that “we agreed that this was unacceptable conduct and I absolutely agree with that”.
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