UPDATE 3 - UK premier announces general election on July 4

UPDATES WITH REMARKS BY LABOUR PARTY LEADER

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced that general election in the UK would be held on July 4.

During his address at the Downing Street, Sunak said that the country will head to polls on Thursday, July 4.

"Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King (Charles) to request the dissolution of parliament. The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on the fourth of July," he announced.

Sunak began his address by saying that in the last five years, the country has fought through the "most challenging times" since World War Two.

Later he said that this election will take place at a time when the world is "more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War."

Referring to the downtrend of inflation and the growing economy, he noted that it is proof that the plan and priorities he set out are "working."

"The question now is how and who do you trust," stated Sunak.

He added: "Now, it's the moment for Britain to choose its future to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty."

- Sunak vows to 'fight for every vote'

Mentioning global challenges the world is facing, Sunak said that Britain must choose in this election, "who has that plan, who was prepared to take the bold action" necessary to secure a better future for the country.

Saying that the Labour Party has "no plan," the premier stated that the future "can only be uncertain with them."

"On the fifth of July, either Kier Starmer or I will be prime minister. He has shown time and again that he will take the easy way out and do anything to get power."

Concluding his address, Sunak vowed to "fight for every vote," and will earn public trust over the next few weeks.

- 'It is time for change'

Following the announcement, Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, delivered a speech, saying "it is time for change."

"All we ask now, humbly, is to do exactly the same for our country and return Britain to the service of working people," he noted.

Saying that the public should change the country with Labour, he asserted that problems that affects British people are "direct result of the Tory chaos in Westminster."

"Time and again they pursue their own interests, rather than tackling the issues that affect your family," Starmer added.

His remarks came just after Sunak concluded his address, announcing the general election schedule.