British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap general election on June 8.

She said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum, according to a BBC report.

May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster is not.

"I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election," she said.

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said his Labour Party wanted the election, calling it a chance to get a government that puts "the majority first".

There will be a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to approve the election plan - the prime minister needs two thirds of MPs to vote in favour to bring forward the next scheduled election date of 2020.