London, United Kingdom

Ina surprise move, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4. The announcement comes as the governing Conservatives are widely expected to lose after 14 years in power. 

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‘Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future’

The United Kingdom PM, 44, ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election, a move which is being seen as a big risk considering his party is trailing behind the opposition Labour in the opinion polls.

“Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of parliament. The king has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4,” said Sunak standing outside Downing Street in pouring rain. 

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The country has seen the most challenging times since World War II with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, said the UK PM during his speech, adding that Britain has fought through those challenges. 

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He also spoke over some protesters gathered just outside the gates of Downing Street who even played an anthem associated with the Labour Party as Sunak was listing what he said were his achievements in government, not only as the PM but also as the former finance minister. 

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“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” said Sunak describing that choice as one between stability with him and the unknown with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who will attempt to take power for his party after 14 years of Conservative-led government.

“Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote, I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government led by me will not put our hard earned economic stability at risk,” said Sunak who will compete against Starmer in the upcoming elections. 

The UK PM said that his government has a clear plan and is prepared to take bold action. He also went on to criticise the opposition and said, “I don't know what they offer – and in truth, I don’t think you do either.”

Starmer always took the “easy way out” and had no plan, said Sunak, adding that “as a result, the future can only be uncertain with them.”

Earlier, Sunak had said that the general elections will be held in the second half of 2024.

Ahead of the announcement, the British media citing sources had said that the UK PM would call for a summer election which will take place on July 4. 

What is at stake?

Both parties have all but begun campaigning as while Sunak was criticising the Labour party and its leader, Starmer was quick to take to X and posted a video explaining what he has to offer in one word: “Change”. 

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During a press conference later, Starmer said that his party has changed over the years and it will “return Britain to the service of working people” and transform the country. He also said that if Conservatives are given another five years they will be “entitled to carry on exactly as they are”. 

If Labour wins the election, Britain, which was once known for its political stability, will have had six PMs in eight years for the first time since the 1830s. 

According to Reuters, Labour is currently running about 20 percentage points ahead of the Conservatives in the opinion polls, but some party officials are concerned their advantage is not as solid as it appears amid fears that many voters remain undecided.

(With inputs from agencies)