Rishi Sunak's General Election announcement in full - why he decided on July poll date

RISHI Sunak today called a make-or-break general election, as he rolled the dice on a July 4 showdown. The PM will battle for his political life as millions take to the polls at the height of British summer time. He will take on Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party in what is set to be a historic fight for the keys to No10, centred on the economy. Speaking from Downing St before hoards of cameras in the pouring rain, Mr Sunak said: “The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War. “Now is the moment to choose to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.“ Drowned out by protestors blasting D:Ream's Things Can Only Get Better, the PM added: “Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament. Continue reading...