British Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly called for a snap general election on Tuesday, in order to strengthen her government’s mandate for the upcoming Brexit talks.
“I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8,” May announced in front of 10 Downing Street.
CNN covered the breaking news in a Tuesday article. The outlet pointed out that “May, who commands only a slim majority in parliament’s lower House of Commons, said that a new mandate would strengthen her hand in negotiations in Brexit talks.”
The British politician underlined that the referendum to leave the European Union was “the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it.” She continued by specifically blasting the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party.
May even reserved criticism for the other chamber of Parliament: “And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.”
The Prime Minister concluded, “Our opponents believe that because the Government’s majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course. They are wrong….I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.”
CNN’s write-up pointed out that “under legislation introduced by the coalition government led her predecessor, David Cameron, an early election requires the support of two-thirds of MPs in the House of Commons. May said she would move a motion on Wednesday in the in the House of Commons calling for a vote.”
The cable news outlet also noted that “May is expected to win an increased number — opinion polls show the opposition Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, at record low levels.”
[image via screengrab]