“I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8.” Conservative party leader Theresa May“I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion,” May said. “Since I became prime minister I’ve said there should be no election until 2020, but now I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and security for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions we must take.” May specifically pointed to the Labour party’s threat to vote against the final Brexit agreement and opposition from the Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats. May will introduce a motion in the House of Commons on April 19 to approve the plan. The motion requires a two-thirds majority. The House of Commons is expected to dissolve on May 3.
Reactions
“Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS,” Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said. Corbyn also told the BBC that he would be the country’s prime minister if his party wins. Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron rallied supporters, tweeting that “this is your chance” for a Britain that is “open, tolerant, and united.” “Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority,” Farron said. Farron accused May of “bottling” televised debates and urged broadcasters to “empty chair” her if she refused to participate. Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said: “Only the Green party offers a bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain.” “The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts,” Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said. “Let’s stand up for Scotland.” In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams tweeted: “So Ms May has called a British General Election. Sinn Féin is up 4 that!” He said the elections would be another chance to vote against Brexit. Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Colum Eastwood issued a statement. “We now have an opportunity to strengthen the mandate of parties which campaigned against and consistently voted against Brexit at Westminster,” he said. Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster called for a unionist pact, saying “the forthcoming election will be an opportunity for unionists to unite around a strong Democratic Unionist Party that will advocate for them in Parliament.”Live TV coverage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y60wDzZt8ygAs it happened
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn statement:
“I welcome the prime minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.
“Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.
“In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.”
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats leader:
“This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.
“If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.
“Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.”
Green Party leader Caroline Lucas statement:
“Britain is at a crossroads – and today’s announcement means that people are rightly given a say over the direction this country is going to take.
“Only the Green party offers a bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain.
“At this election we will stand for an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; a Britain that’s open to the world and the protection of our precious environment.
“We will stand up to the politics of hatred and division that is scarring our communities and give people across the country a chance to vote for a better Britain.”
Statement from Larry the Cat
The time has come – Larry for Prime Minister.#GeneralElection #YesWeCat pic.twitter.com/ml07abUuhC
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) April 18, 2017
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn statement:
“I welcome the prime minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.
“Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.
“In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.”