Plans to hold a snap general election on 8 June have recently been announced by UK prime minister Theresa May.
In a statement made this morning (18/04/17), Mrs May stated that the country needed certainty, stability and strong leadership in the wake of the decision to leave the European Union.
In the period directly after last years’ referendum, and despite calls for one to go ahead, Mrs May had initially stated that there was not going to be a general election.
However, she now believes that as Britain ventures further into the Brexit negotiations, the country should have a vote on its leadership. Hoping for a vote of confidence in both herself and the Conservative party, Mrs May aims to build a solid political foundation for Britain in order to ensure a more stable Brexit.
A Commons vote on the proposed election will be held tomorrow (19/04/17). Parliament’s support is required in order for the prime minister to call a general election prior the scheduled date of 2020.
Labour have stated that they will vote on the side of the government.
Delivering a statement outside Number 10, Mrs May highlighted that the “game playing” of other political parties was hindering Britain’s ability to make the decision to leave a “success”, as well as causing “uncertainty and instability to the country”.
Expressing the urgency of the situation, she stated: “We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one off chance to get this done.”
“I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion. 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.”
