UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that a vote will take place in the House of Commons on Wednesday for a snap general election to be held on 8 June.
Speculation was rife on Tuesday morning when it was announced that the Prime Minister planned to make a statement at Downing Street, this included speculation over the UK’s Brexit plans, a snap election and resignations.
However, May then announced that an election was being called to “remove uncertainty and instability” as the Brexit negotiations get underway.
“Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back. As we look to the future the government has the right pan for negotiating our new relationship with Europe,” she said.
Plans
May said that opposition parties were opposing the government’s Brexit plans and the election would allow unity in Westminster.
“If there is not an election now, game-playing will continue,” she said.
A two thirds majority is needed in the vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday for the snap election to go ahead.
This is under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 which had the next general election originally scheduled for 2020.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement and said that his party will vote in favour of the snap election, meaning the UK electorate look set to go to the polls on 8 June.