The Labour Leader Keir Starmer has responded to the general election announcement that came from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this evening.
The Prime Minister has taken a huge gamble given Labour’s 20-point opinion poll lead.
In his speech in front of 10 Downing Street, Sunak said that "On July 5, either Keir Starmer or I will be Prime Minister."
Keir Starmer has responded: "Tonight the Prime Minister has finally announced the next general election, a moment the country needs and has been waiting for. And where, by the force of our democracy, power returns to you. A chance to change for the better your future, your community and your country.
The Labour leader responded to the election announcement
PA
"Now it will feel like a long campaign, I'm sure of that. But no matter what else is said and done that opportunity for change is what this election is about.
"Over the course of the last four years, we've changed. The Labour Party returned it once more to the service of working people.
"All we ask now, humbly, is to do exactly the same for our country and return Britain to the service of working people. To that purpose we offer.
"Why you should change Britain with Labour? One, because we will stop the chaos. Look around our country. The sewage in our rivers. People waiting on trolleys in A&E. Crime virtually unpunished. Mortgages and food prices through the roof. It's all every bit of it a direct result of the Tory chaos in Westminster."
"Time and again they pursue their own interests rather than tackling the issues that affect your family. And if they get another five years, they will feel entitled to carry on exactly as they are. Nothing will change.
"A vote for Labour is a vote for stability. Both economic and political. A politics that treads more lightly on all our lives. A vote to stop the chaos.
"Two because it's time for change. Our offer is to reset both our economy and our politics, so that they once again serve the interests of working people. We totally reject the Tory view that economic strength is somehow gifted from those at the top.
"Over the past 14 years, through all the crises we've had to face, sticking with that idea has left our country exposed, insecure, and unable to unlock the potential of every community. But a vote for Labour is a vote to turn the page on all that. A vote for change.
"And finally three, because we have a long term plan to rebuild Britain, a plan that is ready to go, fully costed and fully funded. We can deliver economic stability.
Keir Starmer said that a vote for Labour is a vote for "Country first. Party second."
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"Cut the NHS waiting times. Secure our borders with a new border security command. Harness great British energy to cut your bills for good.
"Tackle anti-social behaviour and get the teachers we need in your children's classroom. But most importantly of all, we do all this with a new spirit of service. Country first. Party second.
"A rejection of the gesture politics you will see in this campaign, I have no doubt, from the Tories and the SNP.
"I'm well aware of the cynicism people hold towards politicians at the moment. But I came into politics late, having served our country as leader of the Crown Prosecution Service, and I help the police service in Northern Ireland to gain the consent of all communities.
He added that the"future of the country is in your hands."
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"Service of our country is the reason, and the only reason, why I am standing here now asking for your vote.
"And I believe with patience, determination and that commitment to service there is so much pride and potential we can unlock across our country. So here it is.
"The future of the country is in your hands.
"On July4, you have the choice. And together we can stop the chaos. We can turn the page. We can start to rebuild Britain and change our country."