How has the UK reacted to calls for a snap election?

The country could be headed to the polls on June 8 Credit: PA

Theresa May's decision to issue a call for a snap General Election came as a surprise to political parties and the public given her previous comments that she would not push for an early vote and drew mixed reaction across the country.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the issue should be about "whether we want to see the Tories in a position where they can do whatever they want to Scotland" and not about whether or not there is another Scottish referendum, while people on the streets of Edinburgh did not seem keen to return to the polls.

In Wales the Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood reacted with the words "game on" but Labour party members were more nervous as the party with the most to lose.

In Ireland unionists said the election would be an "opportunity" and Sinn Fein said it was a "chance to vote against Brexit".

  • Analysis by ITV News Correspondent Marc Mallett