'Empty Chair' Theresa May and go ahead with TV debates without her

TV debates have become an important aspect of the lead up to general elections and are incredibly helpful for people who are unsure on what party they would like to represent them over the next 5 years. The debates allow key issues to be discussed and for real people to pose questions they feel need to be addressed, while giving a platform for all major political parties to fairly represent their policies.

If the broadcasters decide not to air debates because Theresa May will not participate it would allow one political party (the Conservatives) to dictate whether (or not) such debates happen. The only unbiased option available to broadcasters is to hold the debates regardless of whether she will (or will not) participate, 'empty chairing' her by featuring an empty podium for the Conservative Party if she refuses to take part.