Johnson, Corbyn agree to improve tone of political debate

During the first live televised debate of Britian's election, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his rival, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, agreed to improve the tone of Britain's political debate, and they shook on it.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DEBATE MODERATOR, JOURNALIST JULIE ETCHINGHAM SAYING:

"Make a pledge to improve politics?"

But that moment of civility didn't last long..

The two sparred Over Brexit and what is holding up Britain's departure from the European Union.

Johnson promised to leave the bloc by Jan. 31 with the deal he already negotiated, trying to press home his message that only he can deliver Brexit quickly.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON SAYING:

"I like the EU 27 all of them, because they did me a fantastic deal, which enables us to come out of the EU."

Corbyn, for his part, wants to negotiate a new deal with the EU and put forward a second referendum on Brexit alongside the option to remain.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) OPPOSITION LABOUR LEADER JEREMY CORBYN, SAYING:

"We will have a referendum, we will have negotiations, and we will abide by that result."

Johnson's Conservatives are leading Labour in the polls, but it's too early and difficult to call ahead of the December 12th election.