British PM Theresa May calls for early election on June 8 amid negotiations on Brexit

In a surprise announcement, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for an early general election on June 8. It came at the time when Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union.

“We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done... before the detailed talks begin,” May said.

"I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June," May said in a surprise statement outside her Downing Street office.

"It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond."