Ridiculous move at a time Britain should proceed with Brexit talks with the EU after invoking Article 50 a fortnight ago. I consider this a power grab, a flight forward as the economic problems for the UK mount.

Theresa May calls for UK general election on 8 June – live updates | The Independent |

Here is the portion of Theresa May’s statement on the election:

“I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8.

“I want to explain the reasons for that decision, what will happen next and the choice facing the British people when you come to vote in this election.

“Last summer, after the country voted to leave the European Union, Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership, and since I became Prime Minister the Government has delivered precisely that.

“Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs, and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations.

“We have also delivered on the mandate that we were handed by the referendum result.”

○ Here are all the times Theresa May said there would be no election

As the world in turmoil with an unpredictable commander-in-chief sitting in the White House … ehh playing golf in Florida. Leaving the job to the generals of the Pentagon, as they know best what is good for America’s security …

More below the fold …
So Theresa May wanted to be like the Iron Lady … I named her the Radiant Lady for obvious reasons. What would Thatcher have said in difficult times for her Conservative party?

Margaret Thatcher ‘the Lady’s not for turning’!

There is not a generation gap in a happy and united family. People yearn to be able to rely on some generally accepted standards. Without them you have not got a society at all, you have purposeless anarchy. A healthy society is not created by its institutions, either. Great schools and universities do not make a great nation any more than great armies do. Only a great nation can create and involve great institutions—of learning, of healing, of scientific advance. And a great nation is the voluntary creation of its people—a people composed of men and women whose pride in themselves is founded on the knowledge of what they can give to a community of which they in turn can be proud.

If our people feel that they are part of a great nation and they are prepared to will the means to keep it great, a great nation we shall be, and shall remain. So, what can stop us from achieving this? What then stands in our way? The prospect of another winter of discontent? I suppose it might.

But I prefer to believe that certain lessons have been learnt from experience, that we are coming, slowly, painfully, to an autumn of understanding. And I hope that it will be followed by a winter of common sense. If it is not, we shall not be—diverted from our course.

To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the “U” turn, I have only one thing to say. “You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning.” I say that not only to you but to our friends overseas and also to those who are not our friends.

○ North Korea threatens pre-emptive nuclear strike on South
○ Russia is moving S-400 SAM systems and Su-35S fighter aircraft to its Far East
○ Appealing for calm, China says US wants talks on North Korea