Britain’s parliament will vote on Wednesday to authorize a General Election on June 8. A two-thirds majority of the House of Commons is necessary to permit the election, under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act.
British PM May calls for early election to strengthen Brexit hand https://t.co/nsXIYPcCEa pic.twitter.com/lPb0LWDmIY
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 18, 2017
This is what Brits are asking Google about Theresa May's surprise election https://t.co/eikNRsfzkp
— TIME (@TIME) April 18, 2017
.@skynews psephologist Michael Thrasher says recent polls point towards 140 seat majority for @theresa_may. Biggest Tory maj since 1983
— Ed Conway (@EdConwaySky) April 18, 2017
Theresa May calls snap election on 8th June. Politicians are such a trustworthy bunch. pic.twitter.com/JJVlRfzCEH
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 18, 2017
"Now is not the time". "No one wants it". '"Get on with the day job". All statements that Theresa May must surely now be regretting. 😉 https://t.co/M8TYAXMwWA
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 18, 2017
Article 50: March 29
French presidential: April 23 & May 7
UK general: June 8
French legislative: June 11 & 18
German federal: Sep 24— Christopher Huffaker (@huffakingit) April 18, 2017
Texts from France: "Brits can't bear not being the center of attention for five minutes" pic.twitter.com/LWxT867Vyc
— Pauline Bock (@PaulineBock) April 18, 2017
Earlier:
Theresa May: "We need a General Election and we need one now." pic.twitter.com/8avOrhgwZj
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 18, 2017
All the times Theresa May said there would be no general election https://t.co/LzVu9IY6aS
— The Independent (@Independent) April 18, 2017
"Reasons why I'm calling a general election:
1. I'm leading in the polls"
End of reasons.
— Neil Warner (neilwarner.bsky.social) (@NeilWarner_) April 18, 2017
May tried to dress it up as the country needing unity, but the bottom line is that she wants a big majority and she'll probably get it.
— Stuart Millar (@stuartmillar159) April 18, 2017
Updates to follow…
Earlier:
Theresa May statement: PM making a surprise statement in Downing Street. Watch live on Sky News at 11.15am https://t.co/K4qe34eeFg pic.twitter.com/s9qJVJ0NRj
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 18, 2017
May to make statement outside Downing Street office https://t.co/fnxC02YljT
— Reuters UK Politics (@ReutersLobby) April 18, 2017
Hearing May will announce General Election for June 8th – one source not confirmed
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) April 18, 2017
I predict a general election on 8 June
— Stewart Dickson CF MLA 🇺🇦 (@stewartcdickson) April 18, 2017
This from @tamcohen > https://t.co/u8kz4U0Zbg
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) April 18, 2017
Busy at #Downingstreet. #PM statement at 11.15am. Election? As @adamboultonSKY noted, no PM seal on podium. pic.twitter.com/tUuUbwDyIr
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) April 18, 2017
The last time the lectern was used without a Govt insignia was when Cameron called the General election on 30 March 2015: pic.twitter.com/OT97jqLAEf
— Jack Evans (@jackcevans) April 18, 2017
Now everyone's going batshit about lecterns.
— Rob Corp (@RobertCorp) April 18, 2017
Makes sense for Theresa to call an election now before the full horror of Brexit becomes apparent.
— Tim Walker (@ThatTimWalker) April 18, 2017
And an early election would be a nakedly party political move by Theresa May, however she dressed it up. Future denials would be worthless
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) April 18, 2017
Theresa May Sept 4 16: “I’m not going to be calling a snap election. I’ve been very clear…election in 2020."
— Alan Travis (@alantravis40) April 18, 2017
Chance of a UK general election surges to 62% from 17%, according to Betfair.
— Jamie McGeever (@ReutersJamie) April 18, 2017
The Overnight Note 