The UK will be going to the polls for the third time in just over four years after MP’s voted in favour of a General Election just two weeks before Christmas
The House of Commons past the vote by 438 to 20 this evening finally agreeing to the Prime Minister’s wish to solve the Parliamentary impasse over Brexit.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn describes the poll as a once in a generation chance to transform the country.
“This election is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our country and take on the vested interests holding people back.
“The choice at this election could not be clearer. A Labour government will be on your side, while Boris Johnson’s Conservatives – who think they’re born to rule – will only look after the privileged few.
“We will now launch the most ambitious and radical campaign for real change that our country has ever seen. This is our chance to build a country for the many not the few and fit for the next generation.”
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said that The upcoming election is an opportunity to build a fair, inclusive, liberal Britain.
“It’s an opportunity to stop Brexit. It’s an opportunity to move forwards, not backwards.”
MPs earlier rejected a Labour amendment to hold an early election on 9 December.
The bill needed only a simple majority to pass, unlike Monday’s attempt which needed two-thirds of MPs to back it
After the bill gets royal assent, Parliament will be formally shut down – or dissolved – 25 working days before the election date and official campaigning will get under way.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn DBE, CBI Director-General, said:
“This may be a winter election but it must bring a spring thaw to our frozen economy.
“It offers a one-off chance to break the gridlock that has blighted our country for over three years – we urge politicians on all sides to take it.
“It’s also an opportunity for all parties to present their visions for the UK’s future. By replacing ideology with evidence, the next government – working alongside business – can show the UK is a great place to invest, start and build a company.
“Passing a good deal with the EU is the first step. Then the real heavy lifting can begin, building a future relationship with our biggest trading partner based on regulatory alignment, frictionless trade and the UK’s all-important services sector.
“Ending political instability will enable a renewed focus on domestic priorities, including education and infrastructure, which will transform the jobs and livelihoods of millions of people.
“Only by working together can politicians and business seize the opportunities ahead and overcome shared challenges, from technology to climate change.
“The prize is a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer United Kingdom for generations to come.”
