Theresa May calls general election

The prime minister revealed the news after she chaired a meeting of the cabinet where the government agreed it should call a general election.

“I want to explain the reasons for that decision, what will happen next and the choice facing the British people when you come to vote in this election,” said Mrs May. 

“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.”

The prime minster said that despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, consumer confidence had remained high and economic growth had exceeded expectations.

“We have also delivered on the mandate that we were handed by the referendum result.

“Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back.”

Mrs May went on to add that the Labour party had threatened to vote against the final agreement with the European Union while the Liberal Democrats want to grind the business of government to a standstill.

"If we do not hold a general election now their political game-playing will continue, and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election.

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

"So we need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.”

Mrs May confirmed that the House of Commons will vote tomorrow on whether to hold an election on the 8th June.