Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch view of Parliament after Rishi Sunak calls snap general election

Lucy Leeson
Thursday 23 May 2024 07:48 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Watch again a live view of Parliament on Thursday 23 May, after prime minister Rishi Sunak called a snap general election after months of denial.

The prime minister addressed the nation in the pouring rain on Wednesday, as he battled against the deafening sound of Things Can Only Get Better playing in the background – the 90s hit which famously became a New Labour anthem during Tony Blair’s successful campaign.

In a drenched suit, he said the King had granted his request to dissolve Parliament, and he promised to “fight for every vote” over the next few weeks.

Sir Keir Starmer declared “it’s time for change” and told Britons to vote Labour in response to the PM’s announcement.

He said: “By the force of our democracy, power returns to you. A chance to change for the better your future.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in