British Prime Minister calls for early general election in June

(Baonghean.vn)- In a surprise announcement on April 18, British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election on June 8, as London prepares for the most difficult negotiations ever on leaving the European Union (EU).

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street in London after a cabinet meeting, Mrs May said: “We need to hold a general election and we need to hold it now. At this time we have a unique opportunity to do this… before the detailed discussions on Brexit begin. This is the only way to ensure the stability of the UK for many years to come.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May. Photo: AP

Mrs May's statement contradicts what she has previously said, that the UK will not hold an early general election. The British Prime Minister warned that "division in the British Parliament would pose a risk to the success of Brexit."

The British Prime Minister said that tomorrow, April 19, she will publish a bill paving the way for an early election. Parliament will then be asked to vote tomorrow on whether or not to hold an election. Under current UK rules, the next general election is scheduled for 2020. The leader of the British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, immediately welcomed the decision, saying that his party's MPs will participate in the parliamentary election.

Britain is about to enter the most complicated Brexit negotiations with the EU. Photo: AP

The surprise announcement by Prime Minister May comes after months of political turmoil in Britain since the country voted to leave the EU. An opinion poll conducted over the weekend showed that Mrs May's ruling Conservative Party had a large lead over the opposition Labour Party.

Specifically, the Conservative Party won the support of 38% to 46%, while the Labor Party was 23% to 29%. Because of this poll result, many senior Conservative politicians called for an election. Long-time Prime Minister May wants a Conservative majority in Parliament strong enough to facilitate future Brexit negotiations./.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)