Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomes snap general election

LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn has backed Theresa May’s calls for snap general election on June 8.

In a statement, he said: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

“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.

“In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.”

Parliament will vote tomorrow, with a two-thirds majority required to over-ride the Fixed-terms Parliament Act.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron also tweeted a statement on the announcement.

“This is your chance to change the direction of your country,” he wrote.

“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.”

Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas welcomed an early vote at a time when “Britain is at a crossroads” and said the people should be given a say overthe country’s future direction.

She promised the Greens would present a “bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain”.

“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,” Ms Lucas said.

“We will stand up to the politics of hatred and division that is scarring our communities and give people across the country a chance to vote for a better Britain.”

Her co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, said the announcement of a snap election, following a string of denials there would be an early vote, revealed a “deep dishonesty at the heart of government”.