Yahoo News General Election 2017: MPs back Theresa May’s plan for a snap poll on June 8
MPs approve Theresa May's plan for a snap election on June 8 in a Commons vote on Wednesday afternoon.
The House of Commons backs the poll by 522 votes to 13, formally firing the starting pistol on the election.
The Prime Minister has urged the British people to "put their trust in me".
George Osborne announces he is quitting as an MP.
MPs have overwhelmingly backed Theresa May’s plan to hold a snap general election on June 8 in a Commons vote the day after her shock announcement.
The House of Commons backed the poll by 522 votes to just 13.
Under the terms of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act Mrs May needed to secure at least a two-thirds majority of MPs to make her plan become a reality.
General election 2017 | How MPs voted
And with the support of both Labour and the Liberal Democrats the Prime Minister was easily able to secure more than the 434 votes she needed as the SNP abstained.
The decision means that the election campaign can now begin in earnest.
The vote came after George Osborne announced that he intends to quit as an MP and after a Prime Minister's Questions session in which Mrs May and Jeremy Corbyn engaged in fiery clashes.
Liberal Democrat MP quits over 'nightmare chaos of Brexit'
John Pugh, one of nine Liberal Democrat MPs, has announced he will not seek re-election on June 8.
Mr Pugh, the MP for Southport, said in a statement: “I was going to announce my retirement from Westminster politics in my own time this May after what will be successful local elections.
"However, I did not bank on the Prime Minister's opportunism. The prospect of new long parliament working through the nightmare chaos of Brexit has no appeal whatsoever to me.
"I aim to continue in local and community politics. It's been a privilege to represent Southport in parliament but I feel this is the right time to step down and begin a new chapter in my life."
Voter registration deadline set for May 22 as Electoral Commission predicts 'well-run' election
Countdown to the General Election
Claire Bassett, chief executive at the Electoral Commission, said: “I am confident that the electoral community is ready to deliver a poll that is well-run and commands the confidence of voters across the UK."
The deadline to register to vote is Monday May 22. You can register here.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday May 23.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday May 31.
Government 'could move to annul the Gorton by-election'
Government sources expect ministers to move a motion in the House of Commons to annul the Gorton by-election in next few days #GE2017
— Christopher Hope �� (@christopherhope) April 19, 2017
The returning officer overseeing the Manchester Gorton by-election has said she has no power to cancel the ballot with voters in the constituency due to elect a new MP on May 4.
But Theresa May's decision to call a snap general election little more than a month later on June 8 put that in doubt.
Downing Street originally indicated that the by-election, triggered by the death of Labour veteran Sir Gerald Kaufman, would go ahead.
But under the timetable for the proposed general election, Parliament will be dissolved on May 3 which means there would be no House of Commons for the new MP to be elected to.
It now seems the Government is looking to fix the situation...
The 13 MPs who voted against a snap poll on June 8
Thirteen MPs - including nine Labour - voted against Theresa May's motion calling for an early general election.
This included Labour's Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley), Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley), Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme), Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse), Clive Lewis (Norwich South), Fiona Mactaggart (Slough), Liz McInnes (Heywood and Middleton), Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) and Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton).
General Election 2017 | MPs who voted against the election
Three independents: Lady Hermon (North Down), Natalie McGarry (Glasgow East) and Michelle Thomson (Edinburgh West).
One SDLP: Alasdair McDonnell (Belfast South).
SDLP MPs Margaret Ritchie (South Down) and Mark Durkan (Foyle) acted as tellers for the noes.
Ken Clarke will stand for re-election on June 8
Delighted that Ken Clarke will be standing in the forthcoming General Election. Excellent news
— Anna Soubry MP (@Anna_Soubry) April 19, 2017
Ken Clarke's office say he contacted them 2 hours ago to say he's standing: 'He was ready to stand down in 2020 but not in 6 weeks time'
— Steven Swinford (@Steven_Swinford) April 19, 2017
Mr Clarke's office told The Telegraph: "He is having an operation but he is expected to be much better afterwards
"He was originally planning to stand down at the next election but he was expecting that to be in 2020.
"He is not ready to go in six weeks time."
MPs vote 522 to 13 in favour of an early general election on June 8
MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Theresa May’s plan to hold a snap general election on June 8.
The House of Commons backed the poll by 522 votes to just 13.
MPs now voting on snap poll plan
MPs are now voting on Theresa May's plan to hold an early general election on June 8. A result is expected in about 15 minutes.
BBC and ITV will hold general election debates despite Theresa May's refusal to take part
Both the BBC and ITV are looking to organise television debates ahead of the June 8 general election despite Theresa May's insistence that she will not take part.
The Prime Minister today formally ruled being involved.
However, opposition leaders like Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron have said they will take part.
Green Party calls for votes at 16 for June 8 election
Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, is calling for the Government to bring in legislation to allow 16 and 17 year olds vote in the snap general election.
Caroline Lucas said: “Theresa May should give Britain’s 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds – the first generation to have received citizenship education – a say in what will very much be their future.”
Tim Farron: Theresa May called election because fighting Labour like 'taking candy from a baby'
The Liberal Democrat leader welcomed the poll as he said Mrs May simply “could not resist the temptation” to call the election.
He said Mrs May is expecting a “coronation” but that the Liberal Democrats “relish the challenge”.
He said the election had been called: “Not because she needs a mandate to deliver Brexit - the Labour Party has given her a mandate to deliver Brexit. She is acting upon the narrow majority of the referendum in 2016.
“Let us all be very, very honest and clear about this: She has chosen this election because she looked across the despatch box and she could not resist the temptation of doing the political equivalent of taking candy from a baby and facing a Labour Party in a general election.”
Angus Robertson: PM 'should have some more confidence' and take part in TV debates
Angus Robertson, SNP Westminster leader, challenges Theresa May to take part in a TV debate as he said she “should have some more confidence in herself”.
He said the snap poll will “highlight the dangers to Scotland of unfettered Tory Westminster government”.
He said: “We have already learnt of course in Scotland that the Prime Minister is prepared to ignore the mandate and wishes of the Scottish electorate, of the Scottish parliament and of the Scottish government.
“So why would anyone in Scotland vote for such a dismissive and disrespectful party and Prime Minister?”
Jeremy Corbyn backs early poll as he questions trustworthiness of PM
Following Theresa May's address to MPs, Mr Corbyn told the Commons: “We welcome the opportunity of a general election because it gives the British people the chance to vote for Labour government that will put the interests of the majority first.
“The Prime Minister says she has only recently and reluctantly decided to go for a snap election.
“Just four weeks ago the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said ‘there isn’t going to be an early general election’.
“How can any voter trust what the Prime Minister says?”
Theresa May urges MPs to back early election and 'put our fate in the hands of the people'
MPs are now considering Mrs May’s bid to hold a snap election on June 8.
Mrs May addressed the House of Commons as she outlined her case for the poll.
She urged MPs to back the early election motion and “put our fate in the hands of the people".
She said: “I say to the House that the choice before us today is clear.
“I have made my choice, it’s to do something that runs through the veins of my party more than any other, it’s a choice to trust the people.
“So let us vote to do that today. Let us lay out our plans for Brexit.
“Let us put forth our plans for the future of this great country. Let us put our fate in the hands of the people and then let the people decide.”
Ambulance called to Parliament after SNP MP collapses
An ambulance has been called to the Houses of Parliament after an SNP MP collapsed in the tearoom.
The MP is being cared for by Tory MP Sarah Wollaston, a doctor and chairman of the health select committee now.
Delighted to announce my husband & I are expecting a baby. I fainted earlier & I'd like to thank the medics who were called as precaution.
— Natalie McGarry MP (@NMcGarryMP) April 19, 2017
Yvette Cooper: Voters 'cannot believe a single word' Theresa May says
Labour's Yvette Cooper tells the PM: "She wants us to believe that she is a woman of her word - isn't the truth that we cannot believe a single word she said?"
Labour's Dennis Skinner calls on Theresa May to ban Tory MPs under investigation over election expenses from standing
Dennis Skinner, Labour veteran MP, seeks a guarantee from the Prime Minister that no MPs currently under investigation over election expenses will stand on June 8.
He says that "if she won't accept that, this is the most squalid election campaign that has happened in my lifetime".
Mrs May says she sill "stand by all of the Conservative MPs who are in this House".
Tim Farron asks Theresa May 'what is she scared of?' as he challenges her to a TV debate
The Liberal Democrat leader reminds Mrs May that when they stood against each other at an election in 1992, Mrs May had criticised the incumbent MP for failing to turn up to a hustings event.
He asks why Mrs May will not take part in a televised debate before June 8 and says "what is she scared of?"
Mrs May responds by saying that the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the SNP "want to unite together to divide our country and we will not let them do it".
A reminder of Farron's 1992 reference..#PMQs#rickrollhttps://t.co/rz8PfCF632
— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) April 19, 2017
Tory MP: Theresa May is the PM this country needs
Philip Hollobone, Tory MP, invites Theresa May to visit his Kettering constituency during the general election campaign as he suggests she is the "PM this country needs" prompting groans on the Labour benches.
Mrs May says she will be visiting many constituencies before June 8 to tell voters it is the Conservatives which provide "strong and stable leadership".
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister uses a question from Labour's Jenny Chapman on the NHS to quote Ms Chapman's own words back to her about Mr Corbyn. Mr Chapman's constituents "have made it clear to me they cannot support the Labour Party under your leadership", Mrs May says.
Angus Robertson challenges Theresa May to TV debates
Angus Robertson, the SNP's leader in Westminster, says Theresa May has called an early election "because of the woeful state of the Labour Party" as he challenges the Prime Minister to take part in TV debates.
Mrs May says she "will be out there campaigning in every part of the UK" as she suggests the SNP should "put aside their tunnel vision on independence" and "get back to the day job".
Theresa May insists she can be trusted as Jeremy Corbyn raises 'broken promises'
Jeremy Corbyn claims the Government has broken many of its 2015 manifesto pledges as he asks how voters can trust the Prime Minister ahead of June 8.
Mrs May replies: "I will be out campaigning and taking to voters the message of the record of this Conservative Government but crucially of our plans to make Brexit a success."
Theresa May attacks Labour's education policy as 'same old one-size fits all'
Theresa May pledges to provide a good school place to every child as Jeremy Corbyn attacks the Government over school funding.
Mrs May describes Labour's approach to education as "some old one-size fits all, local authority run schools, no choice, good or bad, trust your luck".
Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May clash over national debt
Mr Corbyn asks Mrs May when the national debt will begin to fall as he says the current debt is "more than every other Labour government in history put together".
A grinning Mrs May replies that Labour have "pledged to borrow an extra £500billion" heading into the next general election.
Jeremy Corbyn ridiculed by Tory MPs
As Jeremy Corbyn accuses Theresa May of lying about not calling a snap election Tory MPs smile from the back benches.
They are not bothered at all by his claims that she cannot be trusted. As he finishes his first question they begin to laugh.
Labour MPs sit behind him looking stony faced. They are not enjoying this.
Theresa May: Jeremy Corbyn is 'not fit to lead' the UK
Mrs May kicks of PMQs by telling MPs the UK needs a "strong economy, strong defence and strong, stable leadership" as she attacks Jeremy Corbyn.
Mrs May says the Labour leader would "bankrupt our economy" and is "simply not fit to lead".
Mr Corbyn hits back and says the Prime Minister "cannot be trusted".
Brexit talks to start after June 8 general election - Jean Claude Juncker
The president of the European Commission believes that "real talks" between the European Union and Britain on Brexit will only start after the snap election called for June 8, an EU spokesman said on Wednesday.
A Commission spokesman said that the EU's chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Theresa May had a phone call on Tuesday evening, following May's call for early elections in June.
"Following their conversation, the president considers that the real political negotiations on Article 50 with the United Kingdom will start after the elections foreseen for the 8th of June," the spokesman said, referring to EU treaty rule that regulates the exit of a member state from the bloc.
Tim Farron: Lib Dems only real opposition to Tories
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron says his party is the only one with a "real clear alternative message" to take on the Conservatives.
Nicola Sturgeon: SNP will seek a 'progressive alliance' with Labour, Lib Dems to keep Tories out
The SNP leader, speaking on a visit to her MPs outside Parliament, said: “If the Parliamentary arithmetic lends itself to the SNP being part of a progressive alliance to keep the Tories out of Government then the SNP will seek to be part of that as we said in 2015.
“Now we are not sure that there are many people who think Labour will be in a position on their own or with anyone else to form a Government.
“There will be many people across England who will see that as a matter for regret."
Lord Kinnock: I'm unlikely to see another Labour government
Lord Kinnock, the former Labour leader, believes he will not see another Labour government in his lifetime.
Lord Kinnock said in October 2016 that he thought he would be dead before there was another Labour government unless changes were made.
Speaking to John Pienaar on 5 Live Daily on Wednesday, Lord Kinnock said: "I think that it's unlikely that we will make the kind of gains because - as you will recall John with your perfect clarity - that I said, that unless there are substantial changes, that I am unlikely to live to see another Labour government.
"In the time since that interview and now, there haven't been the substantial changes that I would have wanted, and therefore I'm as gloomy about my prospects of living to see another Labour government as I was then.”
Jeremy Corbyn 'didn't mention winning' general election when he addressed Labour MPs
Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised by his own MPs after failing to discuss Labour's prospects of winning the general election as he addressed the weekly meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) last night.
Every question directed at Mr Corbyn was answered by either his deputy Tom Watson or the party's General Secretary Iain McNicol.
One MP told Politics Home: "As a snapshot into Jeremy Corbyn's mind, he never mentioned winning once."
Nick Clegg formally confirms he will stand at the early general election
The former deputy prime minister said: “I will be re-standing as the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate in Sheffield Hallam – a constituency I have had the immense privilege to represent in Parliament for twelve years – because I vehemently oppose the direction that Theresa May wishes to drag our wonderful country.”
Theresa May: MPs who oppose Brexit are not “saboteurs”
Mrs May has rejected claims that MPs and peers opposed to her plans for Brexit are "saboteurs" seeking to frustrate the will of the people.
After the Prime Minister announced she was calling a snap general election to strengthen her hand against opposition parties' attempts to obstruct her proposals in Parliament, The Daily Mail ran the story under the front page headline "Crush the saboteurs".
Asked on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme whether she agreed with that description of her opponents, Mrs May replied: "Absolutely not".
She said: "Politics and democracy are about of course people having different opinions, different views."
Sir Keir Starmer bookmaker's favourite to be next Labour leader
Sir Keir Starmer has emerged as the betting favourite to take over from Jeremy Corbyn as the next permanent leader of the Labour Party.
Mr Corbyn has so far refused to commit to standing down if he leads Labour to defeat on June 8.
But Ladbrokes has installed Sir Keir, the shadow Brexit secretary, as the favourite in the betting markets to take over.
Sir Keir is currently at 5/1 to be the next leader with Clive Lewis on 8/1, Dan Jarvis on 12/1 and David Miliband on 16/1.
Yvette Cooper is also on 16/1.
Voter registration soars after snap general election announcement
Applications to register to vote surged in the hours following Theresa May's announcement of a snap election, new figures show.
Some 150,000 applications were made on Tuesday, the biggest total recorded for a single day since the 2016 referendum campaign.
More than a third of applications - 58,000 - were from people under the age of 25.
Just over 51,000 were from people aged 25 to 34.
By contrast, 1,215 were received from over-75s.
The overall total of 150,000 represents a big jump on the daily average of 7,500 over the Easter holiday weekend.
Amber Rudd raises prospect of Brexit deal ‘compromises’
The Home Secretary suggested a strong showing by the Tories on June 8 could open the possibility of “compromises” with the EU.
She told BBC Newsnight: “What I can say is it certainly gives her an opportunity if she gets what we hope she’ll get, but we’re not complacent – a good majority – the opportunity to arrive at potential compromises within the EU, potential lines that she can set.
“But there will still be plenty of opportunity to debate this within the House of Commons.”
Senior Labour MP Iain Wright announces he will not stand for re-election
I don't intend to stand for re-election to Parliament: pic.twitter.com/LMwLH9L8t6
— Iain Wright (@IainWrightMP) April 19, 2017
Mr Wright, the chairman of the influential business, energy and industrial select committee and MP for Hartlepool, joins fellow Labour MPs Alan Johnson and Tom Blenkinsop in walking away.
Theresa May rules out taking part in general election TV debates
Mrs May insisted she is “constantly debating with my opponents” as she said “we won’t be doing the television debates”.
When asked if she was “running scared”, she said: “I will be facing Jeremy Corbyn later today in the House of Commons as I face him most Wednesdays of the year in the House of Commons.”
Mrs May said she believed in campaigns where politicians “actually get out and about and meet the voters”.
Prime Minister targets “sustainable levels” of migration but won’t give number
Theresa May would not commit to bringing forward a manifesto pledge to cut migration to a specified figure.
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “I have spent six years as home secretary before I became prime minister working on the issue of migration and reducing migration and yes over that time migration has gone up and come down and we have seen various changes in it.
“What people want is for us to have control of our borders and I am very clear that we want migration at sustainable levels.
“I haven’t changed my view on that.”
Theresa May recommits Government to striking Brexit deal in two years
Theresa May said she believes a deal will be done with Brussels within the two year time frame.
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “I have been very clear, as I was in the Article 50 letter and I remain absolutely of this view, that it is possible and we will aim and we should be able to complete the negotiations within the two year timeframe that is set within the treaty.”
However, she would not commit to giving a manifesto guarantee that at the end of those two years freedom of movement would be curtailed and that the European Court of Justice would no longer have an impact on the UK.
he said: “We will be ensuring that we negotiate the best possible deal with the European Union, a deal which will cover the various issues which people are really concerned about in terms of ensuring we have control of our borders, control of our laws, control of our money.”
