UK PM, Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve Parliament Wednesday

UK Prime Minister Theresa May is set to visit Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to mark the dissolution of the country’s Parliament ahead of the June snap general election. (Photo: Theresa May/Facebook)

MOSCOW—UK Prime Minister Theresa May is set to visit Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to mark the dissolution of the country’s Parliament ahead of the June snap general election.

Under UK law, the Parliament is dissolved 25 working days before a general election, which means that, given this year’s election is scheduled for June 8, the dissolution should take place on May 3.

The parliament could be “prorogued” several days ahead of being dissolved, meaning that all parliamentary business stops but the Parliament still exists until dissolution.

May’s bid for an early general election was supported by the House of Commons on April 19. According to the prime minister, the election is needed to overcome divisions in the Parliament, ensure successful Brexit talks with the European Union and maintain stability in the country.

After the Parliament is dissolved, every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant and members of parliament temporarily lose all privileges associated with their station.