MPs expected to approve snap general election plan

The call for the early poll on June 8 is expected to secure the two-thirds House of Commons majority it needs to go ahead.

Mrs May said she wanted to secure the backing of the British people for her Brexit negotiations.

The next general election had been expected in 2020, but the Fixed Term Parliaments Act allows for one to be held earlier if two-thirds of MPs back the move.

A motion to this effect will be put before the Commons on Wednesday afternoon.