VOTERS in Warwickshire could be heading to the polls for a general election in June after Theresa May announced plans to call a ‘snap’ general election on Monday.
But the Prime Minister needs Parliament’s backing to hold a vote before 2020 and MPs will vote today on holding an election on June 8. The Labour Party has said it would back the vote for the early election.
And the current Conservative MPs in Kenilworth and Southam, Stratford, Leamington and Warwick, and Rugby have welcomed the early election and will all be seeking reelection on June 8.
Stratford Conservative candidate Nadhim Zahawi believes it is the best way to continue Britain’s negotiations with the EU.
He said: “With many Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs and Members of the House of Lords promising to frustrate Brexit legislation in any way they can, and other parties like the SNP using Brexit to further their own political agendas, threats to a smooth and orderly Brexit are very real indeed.
“Opposition politicians will have a multitude of legislative subsistence to utilise and exploit in order to make the Government’s agenda look shambolic for no reason other than to convince the public that Brexit is wrong and that they know better.
“This cannot be allowed to happen and is precisely why the Prime Minister was right to call a General Election.
“Without it we cannot hope for a united Parliament that will scrutinise legislation properly and not do so in the interests of political game-playing or reneging on the commitment to leaving the EU.
“Our interlocutors in the EU will be looking for any divisions in the British Parliament that might give them an upper hand in negotiations.
“A General Election now, before the substantive negotiations begin, is the only way to stop this happening, return a united Parliament and allow our Prime Minister to achieve the best possible deal.”
Kenilworth and Southam Conservative candidate Jeremy Wright said: “Much has changed since May 2015 and the Prime Minister has made a sensible decision to ensure that the United Kingdom’s government is in the strongest possible position in negotiating our exit from the European Union.
“I am looking forward to discussing a range of issues with the electors of Kenilworth and Southam but in the end this election will be about choosing the best leadership for our country at this pivotal moment in its history.
“I believe the Conservative candidate will have a strong argument to make and I hope to be selected to be that candidate.”
Leamington and Warwick Conservative candidate Chris White agreed it is right that the British people have their say in who governs the country.
And Rugby Conservative candidate Mark Pawsey has also welcomed the proposed early election and said he hopes to be able to continue to represent the interests of Rugby residents.
But the Prime Minister has come under fire from some after promising there would be no general election before 2020.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Here’s further proof no-one should trust a word the Prime Minister says.
“This is something people should bear in mind every time she makes a promise during the coming election campaign.
“At a time of unprecedented national and international uncertainty, the Conservatives have thrown the country into a snap election, but now at least people can have their say about the future of the country.
“As the UK prepares to leave the EU, this election must be about the future of our public services and the spending cuts unleashed over the past seven years.
“The government cannot and must not be given a renewed mandate for further funding squeezes and ending cherished rights at work.
“Labour now has an opportunity to show it is the alternative government the country needs, campaigning and winning for working people everywhere.”
