Hello everyone and welcome to the Leaders and Independent Candidates debate for the 1st General Election. I'm model-willem, and I'm here to explain the format and help conduct an engaging and spirited debate.

First, I'd like to introduce the leaders and candidates.

• The Leader of the Alba Party: u/zakian3000

• The Leader of the Alliance Party: u/model-ben

• The Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party: u/Blue-EG

• The Leader of the DUP: u/ka4bi

• The Leader of the Greens: u/poundedplanet40

• The Leader of the Labour Party: u/Inadorable

• The Leader of the Liberal Democrats: u/amazonas122

• The Leader of Plaid Cymru: u/model-zeph

• The Leader of Reform UK: u/WineRedPsy

• The Leader of the SDLP: u/Lady-Aya

The format is simple - Every person can ask questions to the Leaders, but only Leaders can respond to the questions put to them.

It is in the leader's best interests to respond to questions in such a way that there is time for cross-party engagement and follow-up questions and answers. The more discussion and presence in the debate, the better - but ensure that quality and decorum come first.

The only questions with time restraints will be the opening statement, to which leaders will have 24 hours after this thread posting to respond, and the closing statement, which will be posted on Saturday.

Good luck to all leaders and remember to have fun!