Theresa May calls general election for 8 June

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap general election on 8 June.

May needs Parliament's backing to hold an election before 2020, and there will now be a vote in the House of Commons on the proposals on Wednesday.

She said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum and added: "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election."

May has previously resisted the suggestion that she would hold an early general election. "I am not going to be calling a snap election. I've been very clear that I think we need that period of time, that stability to be able to deal with the issues that the country is facing and have that election in 2020," she told the BBC's Andrew Marr in September 2016.

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Kate Nicholls welcomed the opportunity that that an election would provide to engage candidates across Britain on key issues for hospitality.

Nicholls said: "Whatever the outcome, we need a government that takes decisive action to tackle rising costs for eating and drinking out businesses and provides clarity on Brexit. Employers need confidence and financial room to manoeuvre if they are to invest and grow.

"At the last general election, the ALMR carried out targeted action to liaise with MPs to make them aware of the contribution being made by licensed hospitality businesses in their constituencies. Over the coming weeks and months the ALMR will be working hard to make sure that all parties know how valuable the sector is and what needs to be done to enable businesses to succeed."

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: "The hospitality and tourism industry, the fourth largest in the UK, has depended on the 700,000 EU workers for much of its growth. We look forward to hearing from all parties how they propose to handle the transition to a more home grown workforce. We have already presented the government with a ten year plan to employ more UK workers but a report we commissioned from KPMG states we need a minimum of 60,000 EU workers a year in the short term.

"Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: "The hospitality and tourism industry, the fourth largest in the UK, has depended on the 700,000 EU workers for much of its growth. We look forward to hearing from all parties how they propose to handle the transition to a more home grown workforce. We have already presented the government with a ten year plan to employ more UK workers but a report we commissioned from KPMG states we need a minimum of 60,000 EU workers a year in the short term. "

British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "The debate around Brexit will be centre-stage, and we will be highlighting the key issues facing the sector.

"In the hospitality industry, we need to continue to attract those with the right skills, and keep trade with our neighbours as free as possible.

"Brexit also presents an opportunity to encourage the new Government towards a more favourable tax regime, especially for beer duty.

"We will not hesitate to use the election to highlight both the challenges and the opportunities for brewing and pubs."

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