Election isn’t in national interest, claims Carwyn

FIRST Minister Carwyn Jones warned that Theresa May had effectively turned the June 8 General Election into “another EU referendum” as he responded to her shock announcement.

The Welsh Labour leader did not try to hide his surprise, commenting: “Well, didn’t see that one coming. Calling an election in the middle of another election is odd.”

The Bridgend AM added: “I have to say through that this election isn’t in the national interest. Focus should be on Brexit and the economy not opinion polls.”

He also voiced fears that the Northern Ireland peace process could now be “high and dry” as a result of Mrs May’s push for the country to go to the polls.

Party leaders across Wales rushed to get on an election footing as the reality sunk in that an election is on the way that could have profound consequences for how the UK navigates the Brexit process.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said: “The British Government has committed our country to a path of extreme economic recklessness. It doesn’t have to be their way.

“Wales needs MPs who will stand up to the Tories and be the voice of reason in Parliament, defending our country’s vital economic links with Europe and the rest of the world.”

Sounding a positive note, she said her party was “up for the opportunity to advocate for Wales’ best interests”.

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies, who backed Brexit in the referendum campaign, gave a strong endorsement of Mrs May’s decision to press for an election.

He said: “On June 8 we have an opportunity to vote for the strong and stable leadership that both Wales and Britain need to see us through Brexit and beyond. It is the right decision for the country.”

Turning his guns on Mr Jones and Ms Wood’s parties, he said: “Here in Wales, both Labour and the Welsh nationalists have been in denial over Brexit, and have sought to undermine the process at every stage.

“We need certainty and unity, not