PM: I AM FIGHTING FOR OUR NATION'S FUTURE

EMBOLDENED Rishi Sunak has called a snap General Election for July 4 to "focus minds on the clear choices facing Britain".

-  Sam Lister and Martyn Brown

The Prime Minister made a rallying cry for Express readers to get behind him and the Tory party with "our shared values and beliefs" in a bid to secure a historic fifth election victory.

He said the party's "economic credibility", won by bringing inflation down from over 11% to 2.3%, influenced his decision to take "the fight to Labour". "I want to force the choice about this nation's future," said Mr Sunak, "and I know that Express readers believe in what we have already achieved and what we have set out in the way of our bold ambitions."

Mr Sunak said "all this is at risk" with Sir Keir Starmer who he criticised as being a "soft touch" on immigration and the EU.

"Everything that has been hard won is at risk," he added. "I know you understand that, which is why our shared values can shape Britain's future." Mr Sunak set out his case for going to voters in an address to the nation soon after positive economic figures. But he said the upturn in fortunes was "only ever meant to be the beginning".

The PM went on: "The question now is 'How and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family and our country?' Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future."

Mr Sunak blindsided Westminster as he called the July election yesterday afternoon.

Speculation had spread after No 10 aides turned off their phones and ministers were called back from visits.

The Premier refused to rule out a snap poll when quizzed at Prime Minister's Questions at midday - and within hours his lectern was out in Downing Street, in a downpour.

Against the blare of music blasted out by Brexit protester Steve Bray in Whitehall, Mr Sunak laid out the achievements of the past year and a half, pointing to a dramatic turnaround in Britain's economic fortunes.

He highlighted tax cuts made in the last two Budgets and the triple lock increase of up to £900 this year in state pensions.