Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a general election for the 8 June this year in a surprise announcement today (18 April).
May says when she became prime minister the country needed stability, and that she has delivered on the referendum result, Britain is leaving the EU and "there can be no turning back."
The PM said that the only way to "guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take".
She claimed Labour and the other opposition parties had opposed her. “The country is coming together but Westminster is not. Labour have threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach. The Lib Dems have said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill. Unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I welcome the Prime Minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first."
'Future of the countryside'
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), an organisation representing landowners and farmers, said candidates must engage with the countryside.
The CLA said in a statement: “In light of the Prime Minister’s decision to call a general election we welcome the opportunity to get out and engage with candidates about the future of the countryside and ensure the rural voice is heard.
“The CLA will work throughout the campaign to ensure MPs understand that the future of the rural economy must be a national priority through Brexit and beyond.”
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said in a statement that farming is arguably the sector which will have the most impact because of Brexit.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “With farming arguably the sector most impacted by Brexit, NFU members will want to understand how each of the political parties plans to support profitable, productive and progressive agriculture and horticulture in the future.
“The right post-Brexit trade deal is absolutely critical but equally well so is a new wider policy framework that better delivers for farming and the nation.
“Throughout the next seven weeks the NFU will ensure that all parties fully understand and engage with the food and farming community on the issues facing the sector both now and post-Brexit.”
'Will do nothing to aid progress'
Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) President Glyn Roberts said the election will not create progress for agriculture post-Brexit.
He commented: “We have long been calling for the creation of a post-Brexit UK agricultural framework and we know discussions between UK and Welsh Government have been frustratingly slow.
“The timing of this election will do nothing to aid progress in establishing a UK framework for agriculture and we therefore urge the Westminster Government not to ignore the critical issues at hand.
“The Union will shortly release its own General Election manifesto outlining our expectations and will work throughout the campaign to ensure MPs understand that the future of the rural economy must be a national priority, now and in the years to come.”
'Further period of uncertainty'
The Tenant Farmers Association has called on all politicians to recognise the need for a constructive general election campaign which enables Britain to best address the challenges that lie ahead.
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said: “Today’s surprise announcement, assuming that it is endorsed by Parliament tomorrow, ushers in a further period of uncertainty at a time when we need to be putting in place the policy frameworks required for a post EU Britain.
“However, we are where we are and politicians from all shades of the political spectrum must show leadership in the forthcoming campaign by allowing constructive debate to enable the British people to make an informed choice when they go to the polls on 8 June.”
“We want high standards of production in relation to the environment, animal welfare and consumer safety which cannot be guaranteed by a greater reliance upon imported products.
“Whatever the makeup of the next UK administration, it must not underestimate the need to ensure that it has a forward looking, comprehensive programme for British agriculture which protects it against unfair competition both at home and abroad.”
