Theresa May just called for a snap General Election on 8th June

Ready for more 24/7 politics? The Prime Minister called for a General Election in a speech outside Downing Street this morning

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a snap General Election to take place on Thursday 8th June this year.

In a statement made outside Downing Street this morning, the Prime Minister argued that an election would bring greater stability to a country divided over Brexit, citing opposition from parties in Westminster.

'In recent weeks Labour have threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach with the European Union', said May in her speech, 'the Liberal Democrats said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill. The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union. And un-elected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way. If we do not hold a General Election now, their political game-playing will continue.'

Downing Street had previously denied that a General Election would take place before 2020. Though the Prime Minister says her apparent U-turn in calling the election is in the 'national interest', given the current division of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party, a snap election could also work in the interests of the Conservatives, though the Lib Dems also look set to make gains after setting out their stall as the anti-Brexit party.

For the General Election to take place, May will need to secure a two-thirds majority vote in the House of Commons.

Responding to the call for a General Election, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron released the following statement:

'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.'

Soon after, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also released a 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.'

Here's how to register to vote in the general election

Make sure you can have your say and visit Gov.uk for all the details on how to register to vote. It only takes around 5 minutes but you may need your National Insurance number and your passport if you're a British citizen living abroad.

Follow all the action live

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