Theresa May has surprised everyone by announcing a snap general election.
In a statement delivered from Downing Street, May said divisions at Westminster could hamper Brexit negotiations.
The PM said: “The country is coming together but Westminster is not.”
The election will be held on June 8.
MPs have been sharing their varying reactions to the news.
Delighted that Prime Minister @theresa_may has announced her intention to call a General Election for 8th June
— Andrew Stephenson MP (@Andrew4Pendle) April 18, 2017
Tory Party puts its own interests before the national interest.
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnhammp) April 18, 2017
Whatever happened to 'now is not the time'? UK General Election: 8th June. Straight choice in Scotland between @theSNP and Tories. #VoteSNP
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) April 18, 2017
People on Twitter are still coming to terms with the shock, especially since calling an early election is something May has previously said she wouldn’t do.
Well that wasn't news I expected to hear today "Theresa May calls a snap general election to be held on 8 June."
— Dan (@DanT) April 18, 2017
Theresa May has announced a general election… I didn't see that coming.
— Liam (@Liam0324) April 18, 2017
Explaining her U-turn, May said: “I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election.”She concluded by saying it was “with reluctance” that she reached her decision but added: “It is with strong conviction that I believe it is necessary to secure a strong and stable leadership this country needs.”Some commentators were pleased with her decision.
Theresa May's bold move deserves the support of all who believe in building a bright future for a prosperous Britain, free from EU rule.
— Simon Richards (@simplysimontfa) April 18, 2017
Oooo a general election. Theresa May seeking her mandate. Bring it on ????????
— Matthew James Willis (@MJ_Willis) April 18, 2017
WOW Theresa May take that Jeremy Corbyn put up or shut up ??????????Strong decisive leadership just what we all need right now
— _D_B_ (@dazdgb) April 18, 2017
But others wondered why May had called a general election having said previously it was not the right time for a referendum on Scottish independence.
If "now is not the time" for a Scottish independence referendum, how on earth is now "the time" for a General Election?
— Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) April 18, 2017
Now is not the time for an independence referendum, but a general election by a majority gvt two years in is fine apparently.
— Dominic Hinde (@DominicMHinde) April 18, 2017
