European Union says Brexit plans unchanged by British election call

LONDON (AP) - In a shock announcement, Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for an early general election to be held June 8 to seek a strong mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union.

Despite repeatedly rejecting calls from within her Conservative party for an early vote, May has now chose to take advantage of her commanding lead over the main opposition Labour Party in opinion polls.

He struck an upbeat tone despite Labour's double-digit poll deficit and said the election was a chance for the country to choose a government "that will put the interests of the majority first".

Urging voters to "stand up for Scotland", Sturgeon said in a tweet that May's Conservative Party see "a chance to move the U.K.to the right, force through a hard Brexit, and impose deeper cuts".

However, today Mrs May stood outside 10 Downing Street and declared an election will take place on June 8.

In order to hold a vote ahead of the next scheduled general election in 2020, she will need the backing of Parliament, the BBC reports.

"The decision facing the country will be all about leadership", May said. "But instead, there is division", May added, accusing other political parties of weakening the government's leverage with the European Union.

May continued to explain why she has changed her mind on a general election, she said: "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election".

Commenting on the PM's decision to seek a general election on 8 June, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Many business communities will understandably be concerned that attention will inevitably shift from the economy and the intricacies of leaving the European Union to a potential election campaign".

She emphasized the urgency to hold an election.

The Lib Dems have consistently called for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal Mrs May achieves after negotiations with the European Union, and want to keep the United Kingdom in the European single market.

May said she would ask parliament on Wednesday to decide on bringing this forward to June 8 - and the main opposition Labour party said it would back it.

He made clear that his party meant to keep pushing the government on hot-button Brexit issues, including migration, as well as May's announcements that the country is in for a "hard Brexit" and that Britain would leave the EU's single market and customs union, essentially a free-trade zone.

One European source said Tuesday that May would be better placed to enter the negotiations - and give "concessions" - if she had a stronger hand.