Live: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls a general election for July 4

Green Party co-leaders have welcomed the general election announcement, saying they aim to secure four seats in the next Parliament.

Carla Denyer, the party’s candidate for Bristol Central, said: “Finally. This is the moment the country has been waiting for, the chance to vote on a different vision of what our country can be. We urge voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.”

Her co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, in Waveney Valley, said: “We are ready. Across the country, people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate who gives voters hope and practical solutions to the cost of living crisis, supporting people in warm and affordable homes, protecting the NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers.

“We offer common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life.

“More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account and make the other parties face up to the challenges facing our country.”