PRIME Minister Theresa May’s decision to call a snap election has reignited a fierce political debate in Bradford over austerity, Brexit, the NHS and other key issues.

The majority of the district’s MPs have welcomed the announcement, which will see a general election on June 8, if Ms May can secure a two-thirds majority in the House of Commons today.

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East, slammed the Prime Minister for going back on her word after “repeatedly saying she would not call a general election”.

He said: “She has called a vote on this Government’s seven years of austerity, hardship and poor prospects for working people. In just over six weeks’ time, the people of Bradford will have the chance to say to this Government, ‘no more’; no more attacks on support for working people, no more cuts for the most vulnerable, and no more serving those at the top at the expense of those in the middle and at the bottom.”

His Bradford West colleague, Naz Shah, backed the call for a snap election.

She said: “I absolutely welcome it, it is about time we were given the opportunity to put an end to this government which has devastated the NHS.

“I know there will be no room for complacency in Bradford West but I am confident I will be able to demonstrate and show people why Labour is the right option.”

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, said the election is a chance to “fight for the people who have suffered so terribly under this Government”.

She said: “We never stop fighting the Conservative Government and policies that cause so much hardship in Bradford. We’re always ready to fight - whether that’s in the House of Commons or on the doorsteps of Bradford South in a general election. I am proud of my record in the two years I have been an MP. I have worked hard for Bradford South, spoken out for our city and I have fought tirelessly to tackle the problems we have, most of which have been deepened by the Conservative government. My focus will be to continue fighting for Bradford South and speaking up for the people in my constituency.”

Keighley Conservative MP, Kris Hopkins, said:“I believe it is right for a General Election to take place before the Brexit negotiations get fully underway. It is important that we now pull together as a nation and seek to obtain the best possible deal for the United Kingdom as we prepare to leave the European Union. As someone who has been proud to represent my home seat since 2010, I am proud to be putting my name forward for re-election. I will be asking local residents to support me on my record of achievement for them and my commitment to helping secure a Brexit deal that will be in the best interests of Keighley and Ilkley.”

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said he was “shocked” by the announcement. He said: “I did not see this coming or expect it at all; anyone who asked me I said there would be no election, so what do I know? I hope the Prime Minister will be given a ringing endorsement by the British people to get the best possible deal for Britain, and showing the country is right behind her for the negotiations would be incredibly helpful.”

Speaking about his own constituency, Mr Davies said: “I am never complacent about votes, so I will give it my best shot and respect whatever the outcome is.”

The election will take place just under a year after former Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox was murdered in Birstall, and her successor Tracy Brabin is hoping to hold the seat for Labour.

She tweeted: “It has been an absolute honour to serve as Batley & Spen’s MP in recent months. I’ll be fighting this election for our entire community. For a better Brexit, for proper funding of our NHS and for the best education system I’ll be campaigning for a Labour government.”

Stephen Wright, chairman of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Many business communities will understandably be concerned that attention will inevitably shift from the economy and the intricacies of leaving the EU to a potential election campaign.”