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General election: Opposition leaders welcome announcement Jeremy Corbyn welcomes early general election
(about 1 hour later)
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the prime minister's election announcement, calling it a "chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first".Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the prime minister's election announcement, calling it a "chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first".
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the vote on 8 June was a chance to "change the direction of your country". Mr Corbyn said the Tories had "failed to rebuild the economy" and that he would be campaigning on housing, education and the NHS.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mrs May was trying to impose a "hard Brexit" with the poll. Theresa May says she wants a general election to take place on 8 June.
There will be a Commons vote on the proposed election on Wednesday. MPs will vote on Wednesday to approve her plan.
Explaining her decision to hold the vote, Theresa May said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum.Explaining her decision to hold the vote, Theresa May said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum.
'Falling living standards' Asked whether he was the next prime minister, Mr Corbyn added: "If we win the election, yes - and I want to lead a government that will transform this country, give real hope to everybody, and above all bring about a principle of justice for everybody and economic opportunities for everybody."
Mr Corbyn said in a statement: "Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS. The Labour leader, who was elected to replace Ed Miliband after Labour lost the 2015 election, said this time the party would be challenging the "economic narrative" that requires "huge cuts" to pay for the banking crisis.
"In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. Mr Corbyn also said Labour had been setting out policies offering a "clear and credible choice for the country", adding: "We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain."
"We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain." Labour's shadow cabinet met in the aftermath of Mrs May's announcement.
Mr Farron tweeted: "If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Tom Blenkinsop, who has been MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 2010, said he would not be standing for re-election, citing "irreconcilable differences" with the party's leadership.
"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."
Ms Sturgeon said on Twitter: "The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let's stand up for Scotland."
Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said the vote would give people a say over the UK's future direction.
"At this election we will stand for an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; a Britain that's open to the world and the protection of our precious environment", she said.
'Cynical decision'
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: "We welcome the opportunity to take Ukip's positive message to the country.
"However, we believe that the prime minister's decision to call this election is a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.
The prime minister needs Parliament's backing to hold a vote before the next scheduled date of 2020, but Labour has said it will vote with the government.