Prime minister Gordon Brown has agreed to partake in a public televised debate with the other two main party leaders ahead of next year’s general election.

In a public letter to Labour party members, Mr Brown said he believes "it is right" to hold debates through a variety of medium in order for Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to present their cases for the upcoming 2010 poll.

The proposed debates would see Mr Brown go up against David Cameron and Nick Clegg on TV to spar over a range of issues.

And the Labour leader said during the weekend: "It is right that the parties debate the issues not just in parliament but in every arena where the public will join in the discussion.

"It is right that we set the issues before the British people.

"Others can work out the details but what’s important for the country is that there is a wide ranging series of television and radio debates with party leaders that are also able to devote attention to the central issues that matter to families: the economy, public services, how we strengthen our communities, and how we work with the rest of the world."

Mr Brown also called on ministers and opposition ministers to indulge in similar debates, although he admitted there should be a "strong focus" on the leaders’ contests.

"I relish the opportunity of making our case directly to the people of this country," the prime minister added.

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