Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the decision by British Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a general election saying it gives "the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first."
Mr Corbyn said his party will be offering an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.
"In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain," he said.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Mrs May of trying to impose a hard Brexit through the snap election.
Ms Sturgeon urged voters north of the border to "stand up for Scotland".
The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let's stand up for Scotland. #GE17
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 18, 2017
Scottish National Party deputy leader Angus Robertson said the shock poll, which Mrs May has said she wants on 8 June, would be a "straight choice in Scotland" between the SNP and the Tories.
Former prime minister and Conservative leader David Cameron has praised what he called a "brave" decision by Mrs May.
Brave - and right - decision by PM @Theresa_May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates. @Conservatives
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 18, 2017
Mr Cameron, who stepped down in the wake of last year's Brexit referendum, tweeted to say it was the right move by his successor.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also welcomed the decision, saying it is a chance for people to vote against Brexit.
So Ms May has called a British General Election. Sinn Féin is up 4 that! Another chance 2 vote against Brexit & 4 progress.
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) April 18, 2017
The Liberal Democrats said the snap general election that Mrs May has called for is Britain's chance to avoid a "disastrous hard Brexit".
Party leader Tim Farron told voters "this is your chance to change the direction of your country".
The Lib Dems have consistently called for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal Mrs May achieves after negotiations with the European Union, and want to keep the UK in the European single market.
The Tories' 2015 general election victory saw the party gain several formerly Lib Dem seats in the south-west of England.
Mr Farron said: "This election is your chance to change the direction of our country if you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit.
"If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.
"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."
UKIP leader Paul Nuttall said he welcomes "the opportunity to take UKIP's positive message to the country.
"However, we believe that the Prime Minister's decision to call this election is a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.
"We are in the midst of Brexit negotiations so this election will provide a perfect opportunity for the 52% to vote for Ukip, the only party wholeheartedly committed to a clean quick and efficient Brexit", he said.
Sterling jumps after call for election following earlier dip
The pound bounced back into positive territory after British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she was calling for a general election to take place on 8 June.
It sent the pound up 0.1% against the US dollar to 1.257, recovering from a 0.3% drop just an hour earlier.
Versus the euro, the pound was hovering near the flatline at 1.180, rising from a 0.4% loss.
Investors were digesting news of the snap election, as Downing Street had previously denied plans for a poll before 2020.
