Rishi Sunak announces a 4 July general election in a statement outside Downing Street
After discussing the Covid pandemic, the furlough scheme, and the war in Ukraine, he says the question is "who do you trust?"
Sunak says he's proud of what his government has achieved, including on NHS spending and education
The PM revealed the date in a rain-soaked Downing Street speech, as Labour's 1997 election anthem Things Can Only Get Better blared from a nearby street
The Labour leader Keir Starmer says the election is the "moment the country's been waiting for"
And he says with "patience and determination" there is "so much pride and potential to unlock" in the UK
We're expecting to hear from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the next 15 minutes.
The message from Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves on social media in the last few minutes is "bring it on".
While the prime minister was speaking, Starmer posted a campaign video promising "change".
Hannah Miller
Political correspondent
"It’s an uphill battle," one Conservative MP tells me, but says there was no going back after all the speculation today.
The MP is also pleased there won’t be a clash between the US and UK elections, claiming that would have been a factor in the decision.
Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent
Two observations: Rishi Sunak was absolutely sodden, and it was hard to hear him over the sound of a disrupter blaring music from outside Downing Street.
The song being played was New Labour’s 1997 election anthem Things Can Only Get Better.
Cabinet ministers are now filing out of No 10 but none have stopped to speak to the journalists outside so far.
Sunak goes on to say he has stuck with his plan and been honest with the country when difficult choices have needed to be taken.
He criticises Labour, saying "I don't know what they offer - and in truth, I don't think you do either."
Sunak says on 5 July - the day after the election - either he or Sir Keir Starmer will be prime minister, and accuses his rival of doing anything to achieve power.
Over the next few weeks, Sunak says he will fight for every vote.
"I will prove to you a Conservative government led by me will not put our economic stability at risk," Sunak adds.
Image source, PA MediaSunak says that he made a decision to invest in local transport over HS2, immigration is coming down under his government, and mentions that he is stopping the boats with the Rwanda scheme.
He also says that the government is working to ensure the next generation can grow up smoke-free.
The prime minister says his government has a plan, and that his government is prepared to take bold action.
Sunak says the government has created a better future for children in the UK.
He acknowledges that he cannot and will not claim they got everything right while in power, but says he is proud of what they achieved and what can be done in the future.
Sunak then lists some of what the government has done, including giving "record funding" to the NHS, improving children's reading, putting energy security over "environmental dogma" and increasing defence spending.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe war in Ukraine has threatened global security, Sunak says.
"Migration is being weaponised by hostile states to threaten the integrity of our borders," the prime minister continues.
Sunak says there are uncertain times ahead and insists he and his government have a clear plan.
Sunak tells the nation that the question now is "who do you trust".
It is the moment to decide Britain's future, he says, to decide whether you want to "build on the future you've made or risk going back to square one".
Image source, ReutersSunak continues by saying the UK economy is still growing and inflation has returned to normal.
He says that interest rates have come down and the government's plan is working.
The prime minister adds that he recognises things are not easy for many people currently.
More from Sunak who says "for so many of us it easy to forget the scale of what we have been through".
The PM cites the Covid-19 pandemic and "war returning to Europe as Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine" which he said had an impact on people's energy bills.
"Economic stability is the bedrock of any success," he adds.
Rishi Sunak confirms the general election will be held on 4 July.
Rishi Sunak begins by saying the last five years have seen the country fight through the most challenging times since World War Two.
The PM says the country has fought through those challenges and it made him proud to be British.
He mentions the furlough scheme and says millions rose to the moment when the pandemic hit.
Rishi Sunak has now appeared into Downing Street to announce to the country when the general election will be.
Stay tuned for updates and analysis.
A lectern has now been brought out into Downing Street, where Rishi Sunak will shortly make a statement.
We'll be hearing from Sunak in a few minutes - you can watch live by pressing the Play button at the top of the page.
There's still no sign of the lectern everyone expects to be brought out ahead of the prime minister's announcement.
It was believed Rishi Sunak would be emerging from the No 10 front door around 17:00 BST, but he has not yet appeared.
The delay may well be caused by the heavy rain hitting central London right now, which is distinctly audible on the microphones lined up outside Downing Street.
We are hearing that the statement could be delayed by about 10 minutes.
The Downing Street door remains closed - for now...
As we've been reporting, Rishi Sunak is to deliver a statement in the coming minutes.
4 July had been mentioned as the most likely date and we are now hearing that's the expected polling day.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to deliver a statement outside Downing Street at 17:00 BST.
He is expected to use it to call a general election, which will most likely be held on 4 July.
We'll be bringing you updates throughout - you can watch live by pressing the Play button at the top of the page.
We are expecting Rishi Sunak to announce a summer general election - here are some of the cabinet ministers arriving at 10 Downing Street earlier.
Image source, ReutersMinister of State Andrew Mitchell enters No 10
Image source, PA MediaHealth Secretary Victoria Atkins seen arriving at Downing Street a short while ago
Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent
Rishi Sunak is set to call a summer general election, most likely on 4 July.
The prime minister is currently informing the cabinet of his plans.
Parliament will be dissolved next week.