Britain is set for its second general election in two years, after Theresa May made a surprise announcement that she wants to hold a snap election on 8 June.
Despite ruling out an early election in the past, the prime minister today claimed that opposition parties are jeopardising her government’s Brexit preparations, and as such a fresh vote is necessary.
Our readers have been sharing their thoughts on the shock news – you can share your own in the comments thread below.
‘This is a Brexit election’
‘A cynical move’
Cynical move by May. And hard to see this not being partly turned into a pseudo-2nd Referendum. With so much turmoil at the moment, it might settle a few scores but it is hard to see how the general good of the country is going to be caused by another bitterly contested vote.
‘A chance to save our country’
This is huge turning point for Britain, we have this last chance to turn away from the dark vision of our country that the Tory party stands for. Yes the odds are with the Tory's, they know that this is their high water mark, nothing really has happened yet in the Brexit process. the fantasy of a hard brexit being a good thing remains unchallenged. If they win a majority it will mean dark times indeed. But if we can get the Libdems in, or a libdem Labour coalition then we may yet save our country.
‘Remain voters must come together’
It's far-fetched but there would be few things that would bring more joy than this cynical election backfiring on Theresa May and the Conservative party. It'd be absolutely amazing.
It's pretty simple, all those who voted remain need to come together. If there is a coherent strategy and people put aside their personal grievances of individuals there is a potential to cause an upset.
‘The other parties shouldn’t vote in favour’
Why would Labour or the Lib Dems or indeed SNP vote in favour? Right now they have leverage as the Conservatives only have a slim majority. They must know in their hearts that they are unlikely to be better placed after and election. BTW - as to the reason for the election which is that other parties are opposing what she wants to do - well yes the duty of the Opposition in Parliament is to oppose in order to improve
‘May is playing games’
So the Tories will put up GE candidates who have voted in the HoC that they have no confidence in the government? And May accuses her opponents of playing games!
And what now of these constituencies whose last results have been referred by the electoral commission for consideration for prosecution?
‘Corbyn is toast’
The good news is Corbyn is toast. The bad news is they'll be no public services left to save by the time of the next general election.
‘This is an attempt to damage the SNP’
So she will end up with a fully Tory England and Wales but risks facing a competent new Labour leader for the denouement of Brexit (once Corbyn kicked out). Can't help thinking this is an attempt to damage SNP dominance in Scotland. They may pick off a few seats but they won't change anyone's mind and there's no chance of the UK uniting.
‘Jeremy Corbyn should step down’
If Labour can elect a sensible pro EU centerist, there is a chance that there is sufficient time to affect the Brexit outcome.
If Corbyn has any sense of duty to the country he'd stand down now and let Yvette Cooper take over.
I say that as someone who has always voted Tory.
‘Remain candidates should come together’
Here's what I'd do now if I could.
I'd have a no- contest pact between candidates opposed to Brexit no matter which party they represent. So in every seat there's just one person you can vote for who will put country before party and work to keep us IN the EU.
‘The vote should have been called immediately after the referendum’
In my outsider opinion elections should have been called on the day after the brexit referendum vote. Calling them now, after the a50 has been invoked, would be more an exercise in political ruse than in political integrity. But I think it would be for the better: no excuses or latitude for the MPs to say that brexit is bad but vote for it anyway. Being a mp should be about responsibility, and so far the MPs (bar the historically pro brexit ones) have betrayed their mandate by voting against their best judgement.
This is a Brexit election, a second referendum now we know the dire consequences we face. it makes the first referendum result irrelevant. If you don't want to leave the EU and want to remain a liberal,tolerant, united country vote for a candidate that will promise to block withdrawal regardless of party. My MP already opposes withdrawal so I will be working for them and whichever candidate in a neighbouring constituency will take the pledge. Last best hope to stop this insanity.