Election 2024: Rishi Sunak has already lost control of the, narrative
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that a general election will take place on Thursday July 4.
election timing
Netanyahu tells Republicans Gaza war will continue, days after Schumer speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. Republican senators that Israel will continue its efforts to defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during a videolink address to the senators. The meeting highlighted the political nature of U.S.-Israel policy, with Netanyahu having a long-standing alignment with Republicans. The Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, considered inviting Netanyahu to address Congress. The conflict in question began with an attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 253 captives according to Israeli counts. Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic majority leader, declined an offer for Netanyahu to speak to Democrats, emphasizing a non-partisan approach to supporting Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to nearly 32,000 Palestinian deaths. Netanyahu discussed civilian casualties and supported plans to deliver aid to Gaza via a temporary pier. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized that the U.S. should not advise a democratic ally on election timing or military campaigns.
Explainer: When is the UK election?
– The last possible date for Britain’s next general election is January 28, 2025.
– Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that 2024 would be an election year.
– Sunak’s working assumption is for a general election in the second half of this year.
– Sunak ruled out holding an election on May 2 and is unlikely to choose any day in May due to logistical difficulties.
– Expectations are for a vote in October or November.
– The decision to call a general election is made by the Prime Minister unless the government loses a motion of no confidence in parliament.
– Upon calling an election, parliament is dissolved, and all lawmakers lose their seats, with a 25 working day period until the general election.
– Elections have been held on a Thursday since 1935.
– Parliament will automatically dissolve on December 17 if an election is not called before then.
– 650 constituencies elect MPs under a first-past-the-post system.
– If a party wins more than 325 MPs, King Charles will invite its leader to form a government.
– If no party achieves a majority, there might be a coalition government or a minority government.
– The Conservative Party has governed in coalition and as a minority government in the past.
– Currently, the Conservatives have a majority, but polls show the Labour Party leading by about 20 percentage points.