General election 2017 poll: How will YOU vote on June 8?
The Prime Minister today confirmed that she will seek a snap general election in 2017 to settle parliamentary divisions ahead of Brexit talks. Speaking outside of Number 10 Downing Street, Theresa May said: "Last summer, after the country voted to leave the European Union, Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership, and since I became Prime Minister the Government has delivered precisely that. "At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division. "The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.”
Mrs May confirmed that a parliamentary vote will be held tomorrow to confirm the election. Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, Britain is not due to go to the polls until 2020. But the House of Commons can call an early vote if two-thirds of MPs agree to do so. Political leaders including Jeremy Corbyn, Tim Farron and Paul Nuttall have welcomed the news, and have indicated that they will back Mrs May’s election motion. GENERAL ELECTION 2017 LATEST POLLS
Live from 10 Downing Street: Theresa May calls snap general election Tue, April 18, 2017 Theresa May has made the announcement to call for an early general election to be held on June 8 2017 Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 8 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street, in central London
GETTY Jeremy Corbyn has said that he will back Mrs May's calls for an early election
Mr Corbyn said: "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.” ht leader Paul Nuttall said that he will put a “clean Brexit with restored borders” at the heart of his party’s campaign. He added: “We welcome the general election, but make no mistake - it is driven by Labour's obvious weakness, not the good of the country.” Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said that the vote is Britain’s “chance to change the direction of our country”.
GETTY Tim Farron has said that the Liberal Democrats will fight to stop a hard Brexit
GETTY Paul Nuttall says Ukip will put a clean Brexit at the heart of its campaign
GETTY Nicola Sturgeon has told voters to 'stand up for Scotland'