John Rentoul, Columnist Independent on Sundaypublished at 20:48 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
@JohnRentoul
Quote MessageFarage's challenge to the establishment diverted twice now into Bennett's far left cul de sac.
Summary
The leaders of seven UK parties took part in a two-hour live televised election debate
It was the only debate of the campaign which will feature David Cameron and Ed Miliband
They clashed on a range of issues including the NHS, immigration and the deficit
Snap polls taken afterwards gave differing verdicts on the winner
There are 35 days until the general election
John Rentoul, Columnist Independent on Sundaypublished at 20:48 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
'Hospital car park'published at 20:47
Ed Miliband says that in one case, patients were treated in a tent in a hospital car park. He says he does not believe that represents the government looking after the NHS. David Cameron says Labour "cut the NHS in Wales".
Health tourism?published at 20:46
The NHS question is now open to the floor. What about "health tourism", asks Nigel Farage. Shaking her head, Natalie Bennett says his figures "do not reflect the reality" and says the health service's foreign workforce is vital.
Watch again: Clegg v Cameronpublished at 20:46
You can review that spat between Nick Clegg and David Cameron over their respective approaches to cutting the deficit.
'Important institution'published at 20:42
Ed Miliband says Labour would raise cash for the NHS with a mansion tax and from hedge funds and tobacco companies. David Cameron says the NHS is "the most important national institution that we have" and recalls the "unbelievable" care given to his disabled son. A strong NHS needs a strong economy, he adds.
Party policy guide: Healthpublished at 20:41
Chris Ship, ITV News Deputy Political Editorpublished at 20:40 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
@chrisshipitv
Quote MessageHope they've got a water refiller in that room. They're all gulping it down #leadersdebate
'Hard cash'published at 20:39
Nick Clegg: "The NHS doesn't need warm words, it needs hard cash". Leanne Wood says the NHS in Wales faces two threats: From austerity, and "centralisation" under the Labour administration.
Yousuf Alipublished at 20:39 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
@salonepekin
Quote MessageI must confess that this GB #leadersdebate is 100 times more entertaining than US election debates. #GetAnswers
Too many middle managers?published at 20:38
Nigel Farage says there are too many "middle managers" in the NHS, and vows to end hospital parking charges. They've already been scrapped in Scotland, says Nicola Sturgeon. The NHS should be run as a public service not for private profit, she adds.
NHSpublished at 20:37
How will the leaders secure the future of the NHS, is the next question from 63-year-old Terry Kelly.
Pic: The colour coded podiumspublished at 20:37 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
Image source, ITVSarah Lambertpublished at 20:37 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
@SarahLambert01
Quote MessageGood to hear @NicolaSturgeon asking @David_Cameron where cuts to benefits will fall. #disabilitybenefits #LeadersDebates #GE2015
'Balanced' cutspublished at 20:34
Ed Miliband brings the deficit section to a close by saying: "Cuts will have to come, but we can do it in a balanced way."
Have your saypublished at 20:33
Email: politics@bbc.co.uk
Sally Wilson
Are we watching 15 to 1? Let's see three lights and a few eliminations, for a more interesting debate!
Pic: Natalie Bennett, Green leaderpublished at 20:33 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
Image source, ITVEchoes of 2010?published at 20:32
Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon clash over austerity. Shades of 2010's "I agree with Nick" debate, as Natalie Bennett says: "Nicola Sturgeon is absolutely right. You have a choice between the two largest parties here between austerity-heavy and austerity-light."
Send us your commentspublished at 20:32
Email: politics@bbc.co.uk
S. Slade:
Cameron rattled - under pressure, with no answers. All the others doing well. Ed, Nicola and Natalie seem to care about what happens to ordinary people.
Pic: Nicola Sturgeon, SNP leaderpublished at 20:31 British Summer Time 2 April 2015
Image source, ITVFarage v Sturgeonpublished at 20:30
"The English are a bit cheesed off with so much of their money going over Hadrian's Wall" and being spent on free prescriptions and university education, says Nigel Farage. Nicola Sturgeon says Scots pay more in tax.