Stefan Wermuth
British Prime Minister Theresa May stunned political observers Tuesday when she called a snap general election to take place June 8th. In a dramatic statement outside Downing Street, May said she was calling the election to stop the “political game playing” of politicians seeking to oppose or water down the terms of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. May had previously ruled out an early election, but, explaining her change of mind, said: “I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election.” Stating that “the country is coming together, but Westminster is not,” May fired the starting gun on an election campaign by attacking anti-Brexit politicians, saying: “In recent weeks, Labor have threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach with the European Union. The Liberal Democrats said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill. The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain’s membership of the European Union. And un-elected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way. If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue.”