Theresa May has just called a UK general election
- Text by Michael Segalov
It’s long been anticipated that Theresa May – the UK’s unelected Prime Minster – might call a snap general election. Despite her assurances that no such thing would take place, a Labour Party in seeming disarray, a weak majority in the House of Commons, and criticism of a hard Brexit coming in from all angles, it always seemed that Theresa May might change her mind.
And this morning at 11am, Theresa May took to the podium placed outside her Westminster Home in Downing Street, and announced that a general election would soon be upon us. In less than two months time, on 8 June 2017, British voters will once again take to the polls and vote for a new government.
What this means for the future is unclear: polls have recently failed to predict the outcome of elections. YouGov’s most recent poll on voting intention puts the Conservatives on 44%, with Labour lagging behind on 23%. What this means for the future of Labour and Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership – should the polls reflect the truth – is worrying for the British left, and calls for some sort of progressive alliance between less right-wing parties will no doubt be ringing loudly from some corners.
Over the coming months one of the biggest dividing lines will be over Brexit: Theresa May is at the helm of the Brexit battalion, and no doubt the Liberal Democrats will run on a platform of halting the process of triggering Article 50. Where Labour will pin their colours – with a voter base that cuts across both camps quite clearly – at this stage remains unclear.
Theresa May might well be stating this election is to secure a mandate for her Brexit plans, but many will see this as an attempt to lock down her position of power – an opportunistic attempt to take advantage of Labor divisions and her personal approval ratings – but who could blame her?
What’s clear is that the political instability in Europe and beyond won’t be calming anytime soon, as party machines in the United Kingdom prepare for what’ll be a long, dirty slog of a general election.
This story will be updated as news develops.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Why is the Amazon’s ‘great roar’ river wave shrinking?
Pororoca — Set in northern Brazil’s edge, a miles long tidal bore has become a destination for waveriders attempting its endless surf. But its future is uncertain, as landscape and weather changes have seen its power mellow in recent years.
Written by: Gaia Neiman
Dropping in at Lahore’s first ever public skatepark
Skate Pakistan — Set right in the centre of Pakistan’s capital city, the free-to-use space has started a mini youth revolution in the country. Z. Raza-Sheikh tracks how it came to open its doors.
Written by: Z. Raza-Sheikh
Dredging and drifting with the last wild oyster fishermen of the River Fal
Cornish pearls — Using only the power of the wind and centuries-old traditional techniques, harvesting oysters in the last wild fishery in England is a sustainable, yet dying, practice. Jack Burke goes trawling with Jason, one of the few keeping it alive, to find out more.
Written by: Jack Burke
Inside the London rollerskating scene’s fight for space
Chop & shuffle — A new, young generation is skating with a style unique to the UK’s capital, but they’re up against security guards, dog units, and padlocks. Sunny Sunday reports on the community’s search for a home.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
Björk calls for Greenland independence following fresh Trump annexation threats
‘I burst with sympathy’ — The Icelandic legend drew parallels between her home country and the remote Danish territory, describing both Denmark and the USA as “cruel colonisers”.
Written by: Olivia Fee
Inside the shadowy, booming underground world of Urbex
Touching bricks — Spurred by social media success and a desire to live in the physical world, a new generation of teenagers and young people are sneaking into abandoned buildings and documenting their discoveries. Letty Cole goes fence-jumping with two Urbexers to find out more, and gets chased by security in the process.
Written by: Letty Cole
