Rishi Sunak's general election 2024 announcement in full

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the date of the next general election. Mr Sunak issued a statement outside 10 Downing Street on Wednesday evening saying the election will take place on Thursday, July 4.

In the pouring rain Mr Sunak said the election will take place at a time when "the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War". He made the economy and combating the global security threats facing the UK the key elements of his pitch to the nation.

Mr Sunak’s announcement came hours after the Office for National Statistics said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 2.3% in April, down from 3.2% in March.

READ MORE: Nine key dates for the general election 2024 as Rishi Sunak announces polling date

A summer election is earlier than expected - with many believing the country would be asked to go to the polls in the autumn.

December 17 was the latest possible date by law for proceedings in Westminster to finish, ahead of the country going to the polls. So if an election hadn't been called by then, a vote would have been triggered to take place on January 28.

Here is Mr Sunak's statement in full.

"In the last five years, our country has fought through the most challenging times since the Second World War."

"As I stand here as your Prime Minister, I can't help but reflect that my first proper introduction to you was just over four years ago."

"I stood behind one of the podiums upstairs in the building behind me, I told you that we faced a generation-defining moment, and that we as a society would not be judged by some government action, but by the small acts of kindness that we showed one another."

"You met that challenge and then some and I have never been prouder to be