RantCrush Top 5: April 18, 2017

In a surprise announcement at a press conference yesterday, British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election. She said she would seek Parliament’s approval on Wednesday to hold an election on June 8, even though she has previously said there would be no early election while she is PM. The election was not supposed to take place until 2020.

We need an election now to secure the strong, stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit & beyond. https://t.co/8jhvoAcLuR

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 18, 2017

May was appointed without an election following the Brexit vote that led to David Cameron’s resignation. Some of the other leading parties are opposed to Brexit, so this election is an attempt to cement May’s leadership ahead of a turbulent few years. “I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election,” May said. She has accused the other parties of playing political games and said that the divisiveness in Parliament could risk the success of Brexit.

Brave – and right – decision by PM @Theresa_May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates. @Conservatives

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 18, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.