Britain goes to polls to elect new Parliament

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Britain goes to polls in a general election today. Voting will begin at 07:00 GMT in the morning, that is 12:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), and close at 10 pm local time.

A snap general election was called to break the Brexit deadlock that has gripped Britain ever since the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union, EU.

A total of 3,322 candidates are contesting the 650 seats in the House of Commons which is the Lower House of Parliament. Britain’s impending exit from the EU played a key role in the campaign this time.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson from the Conservative party
has called for a big majority so that he can swiftly pull Britain out of the 28-member EU on the 31st of January.

On the other hand, the main opposition Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn promises a new referendum on Brexit as well as a re-nationalisation of utilities. 

Brexit is the main issue for voters, but a slowing economy, creaking health and social care provision, the unfolding climate crisis, and law and order are among other key concerns.