THE decision by the PM to call a snap General Election is undoubtedly in the interests of the UK.

If the polls are to be believed, the result will strengthen her mandate for a clean Brexit, in the event of the EU negotiators refusing to play cricket. It will also be the means of keeping in check the handful of Tory rebels still remaining.

It is no good going into negotiations if you have not got the unequivocal backing of the House of Commons. With a goodly increased majority in place, the EU negotiators will know that there is no chance of our PM being stabbed in the back by the Westminster fifth column.

With the support of the electorate and parliament for no deal, rather than the wrong deal, Theresa is likely to come back smiling from the negotiations.

Success will come in the form of total control of our own affairs, a marked reduction in immigration and an end to the drain on the Exchequer.

Go for it, Theresa. You’re on the right track!

Steve Kay, Redcar and Cleveland Councillor.

AS we are in the throws of local and a General Election what a great time to ask candidates knocking on your door about salaries paid to council executives.

Ask them if they would do anything about it.

It could be another 5 years until you can put your point over to a future councillor or MP.

If you get no response then vote with your feet.

Terry Knox, Coxhoe.

THE announcement of a snap General Election in June confirms what I have been writing about for some time.

The writing has been on the wall and with the Conservative party machine working overtime the numbers now add up and Theresa May has relented, accepted the opportunity to achieve a number of things.

1. Try and increase her majority; 2. Destroy any Labour creditability; 3. Purge her own party of dissenters; 4. Create a mandate for her plans and the course of Brexit.

The short notice has also given her the initiative over her rivals, as there are a number of seats without candidates in place, for a number of reasons, which again strengthens her hand.

She no doubt will have all her bases covered and has been on an election footing in spite of her comments about not wanting to go to the people again. As we all know, what politicians say and what they do are totally different.

How it will pan out we will all know on June 9 following the counts.

So as our MPs return from one holiday they will be getting ready for another recess to fight the election.

No wonder nothing much ever gets done.

C Gallacher, Ukip Redcar.

WELL the Prime Minister couldn't resist the opportunity to go for a General Election on June 8.

This is subject to a two thirds majority vote in the House of Commons to call an election which terminates the five year fixed-term parliament.

One would think that a majority to end this parliament will sail through as an election on June 8 will see a Conservative increased majority (forecast to be about 100 seats) which gives Mrs May a mandate for a so-called hard Brexit.

One is reminded of the old saying "Never a look a gift horse in the mouth".

Hence with the opinion polls showing Labour way behind the Conservatives, Ukip in disarray and the Lib Dems still rebuilding, the temptation has proved to much for the PM.

The Conservatives will be hoping that other well known saying "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" doesn't come back to bite them.

G Dunning, Ormesby.