Sunak is then asked if his party is a tax-raising government.
He says his legacy as chancellor was "to make sure we got UK through one of difficult periods in history", in reference to the pandemic.
He says we've cut taxes by £900 and says Labour opposes tax cuts.
What about the NHS?
Sunak is asked specifically about the Tories' pledge to build 40 new hospitals by 2030.
He says yes, they will be built by 2030.
He adds “we are fully committed” to the 40 hospitals pledge and that he thinks the "majority" have planning permissions.
There are “spades in the ground”, he tells viewers.
Economy won't 'change overnight' - PM
People are only “starting to feel” the benefits of the changes the Conservatives have brought to the economy, Sunak says.
He says it has been an “incredibly tough” few years, pointing to the Covid pandemic, war in Ukraine and its impact on energy bills.
“That’s not going to magically change overnight”, he adds, emphasising the government is making “progress”.
Sunak pressed about Rwanda scheme
Now, a question on an issue that's considered a central pillar of the prime minister's agenda: illegal immigration.
He’s being asked about record numbers around illegal channel crossings in specific months.
Sunak pushes back, and points to figures from the entirety of last year, where he says the numbers were down by around a third.
He also talks about working with French authorities in the Channel and the deal his government made with Albania.
Sunak is asked about the Rwanda scheme and when the first flight is due to depart for Kigali - to which he replies: "July."
.Copyright: .
What's the real reason for 4 July election?
Sunak is asked if the real reason he chose to hold an election is that he's concerned that inflation might rise and migration figures may worsen later in the year.
Sunak says this isn't the case and that people are just beginning to feel the benefits of an improving economy, particularly on inflation.
The reality is that progress and stability is returning and "I'm the one prepared to take bold action", he adds.
Video content
Video caption: Tories can deliver a secure future - Rishi SunakTories can deliver a secure future - Rishi Sunak
Tories have 'right plan' for security, Sunak says
Sunak then pivots to talking about how he views the world is in a “more uncertain place” than it has been in decades.
He then says that he believes the Conservatives have the “right plan” and are the only ones capable of delivering on "security".
Sunak jokes about 'drier' weather
Sunak starts by saying it's "certainly drier" than his speech yesterday.
He says the Tories have restored economy stability with energy bills coming down.
"Now is the right moment to build on the progress," he says.
BreakingSunak is up
Rishi Sunak is on BBC Breakfast now. Stay with us as we bring you all the latest lines from the prime minister - and watch live by pressing play at the top of the page.
Analysis
A presidential-style campaign in the UK
Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent
This
is going to be a presidential-style campaign.
We know that because Rishi Sunak
made much in his speech about the fact that on 5 July either he or Sir Keir
Starmer will be prime minister.
But
the other notable thing is that it’s Sunak who is facing the media today, on
day one.
That’s a little unusual — but tells a story. This is his gamble. And his
attempt to make it work.
'It is clear we have turned a corner' - Sunak
Rishi Sunak is due on BBC Breakfast very soon - while we wait, here are some lines from his first interview of the day with GB News.
"After a difficult few years, I am pleased that economic stability is now returning to the country," he says, adding the economy has "turned a corner".
He says the choice at the general election is "who has got the boldest ideas, the clearest plan, to provide a secure future for you and your family".
We'll have more from the prime minister when he appears on BBC Breakfast very soon - as a reminder, you can watch by clicking the first play button at the top of the page.
Green Party focusing on picking up more seats
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Later this morning, we'll be hearing from the prime minister.
But for now, BBC Breakfast has just been hearing from one of the smaller parties, the Green Party, which currently holds one seat in the Commons.
And Caroline Lucas - keeping that seat warm - has previously announced plans to stand down at the next general election.
Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader, says the focus ahead of 4 July is going to be on securing “a handful of seats" where their chances are good - "including in my home city of Bristol”.
“It’s clear that Sunak knows absolutely that the Tories are out at the next general election, and he’s just trying to make the best of a bad situation," Denyer adds.
What happens next?
When a general election campaign kicks off, there's still some tying up of loose ends that needs to take place.
Helpfully, BBC Breakfast has just spoken to Hannah White, the chief executive of the Institute for Government, about what those next steps are:
Parliament has to finish off its business before MPs cease to become MPs and head-off to campaign
There are 16 government bills still in Parliament and the parties will have to decide what happens to them
There will likely be deals made with opposition parties because some of those bills are controversial
Next week, the King has agreed to dissolve Parliament - that happens on Thursday
There are then 25 working days - or 35 actual days - that will then take us to the general election on 4 July
Analysis
Why did Sunak decide to call a summer election?
Chris Mason
Political editor
The general election is on - it will soon be over to you.
For weeks there had been a growing expectation the election would be held in the autumn, giving the prime minister at least two years in office and giving the economic outlook a greater opportunity to improve.
But decisions can be on a knife edge - and there have been those pushing Rishi Sunak to go sooner.
Those making that argument felt that things might not improve much and that the perceived desire of the electorate to be given a say soon might risk making any Conservative defeat worse if the appointment with voters was pushed back.
In other words, do it now or it could get worse.
The prime minister can also point to at least some of his objectives being fulfilled, or seemingly en route to being fulfilled.
The wider economic picture appears a little brighter too. Then there is the plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.
It hasn't happened yet but it would appear flights could be imminent, perhaps even during the election campaign, although the claim that it will act as a deterrent will not be tested before polling day.
Rishi Sunak held his first general election rally last night, just hours after his rain-soaked Downing Street speech.
Sunak appeared at east London’s ExCel Centre, flanked by his wife Akshata Murty, most of his cabinet ministers and around 100 party members.
“Labour want you to think this election is over before it’s even begun," Sunak said, after being introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly.
“But we are going to fight. We are going to fight every day for our values and our vision.”
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, attended the rallyImage caption: Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, attended the rally
An early start as campaign gets under way
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Good morning from St Pancras train station in central London. It’s early morning on the first full day of the general election campaign -
and we’re on the road already.
Leaders will spend the next six weeks travelling
around the UK selling themselves and their visions to the country.
I’m going to spend the day following Prime Minister Rishi
Sunak. He has a bit of a head start in this campaign. He was the one who called
the election, so he’s had a bit more time to plan the first few days.
Let’s
just say his schedule looks busy (which means mine does too).
Labour — and all the other parties — knew a
general election could come at any time. They’ve all said they are ready.
I can tell you with absolute certainty as I jump
on a train, you are going to see a lot from politicians dotting around the UK
in the next six weeks.
'Things can only get wetter'
Andre Rhoden-Paul
Live reporter
BBCCopyright: BBC
Images of the prime minister in the pouring rain covers nearly all national newspapersImage caption: Images of the prime minister in the pouring rain covers nearly all national newspapers
As you'd expect, Sunak announcing the election dominates Thursday's front pages.
Many newspaper headlines describe the prime minister's 4 July date as a gamble, as Conservatives trail Labour in opinion polls.
A former Tory minister is quoted in the Financial Times describing the move as "bonkers", while the Daily Mail reports Michael Gove told the prime minister "you dared and you will win".
The Daily Telegraph makes light of a protester blasting Labour anthem Things Can Only Get Better during Sunak's speech in the pouring rain with the headline "things can only get wetter". However, its front page analysis piece declares, "If Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister things can only get worse."
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror writes "drown and out", splashing (sorry) on a picture of Sunak's drenched back.
There will be political battles across the country and not just between the two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives.
Leaders of other big parties have given their reaction to the general election. Let’s bring you a flavour of what they have said:
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the general election would be a "chance to kick Rishi Sunak’s appalling Conservative government out of office and deliver the change the public is crying out for"
The Green Party set out how they would offer voters "practical solutions to the crises facing the country". Co-leader Carla Denyer, who'll be standing to become MP for Bristol Central, said a July election was "the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be"
Reform Party leader Richard Tice posted a video on social media telling voters "we're ready" for a July general election. "What a scene - the PM drenched in rain," Tice said. "Drowned out by the boogie-blaster of Steve Bray, no less, highlighting the utter incompetence of this Conservative government"
In Wales, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth welcomed the "long called-for" July election date and said his party's focus would be "fairness". He said: "We will be the ones demanding fairness for Wales in funding and our ability to build a better future.”
What happens next?
Here are some key dates as we build up to this general election in six weeks' time:
Friday 24 May is when the UK Parliament is prorogued - ending its current session of MPs
On Thursday 30 May Parliament is dissolved - marking the official end of the current parliament
The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 18 June
Campaigning really goes up a gear throughout June until Thursday 4 July when voters go to the ballot boxes on Polling Day
We are likely to find out the result by the morning of Friday 5 July
Then, a few days later on Tuesday 9 July the newly elected MPs will meet for the first time to be formally sworn in and to elect a Speaker
Finally, on Wednesday 17 July, comes the official State Opening of Parliament
EPACopyright: EPA
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelling down the Mall by royal carriage for the State Opening of Parliament in November 2023Image caption: King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelling down the Mall by royal carriage for the State Opening of Parliament in November 2023
SNP leader says choice of date shows disrespect for Scotland
Katy Scott
BBC Scotland news
Video content
Video caption: SNP: Disrespectful to have election in school holidays, says SwinneySNP: Disrespectful to have election in school holidays, says Swinney
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney says the decision to hold a general election as Scottish schools begin their summer break is the "latest act of disrespect" from the UK government.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the poll would be held on 4 July.
Swinney said that holding the vote in the first week of the holidays showed the impact on Scots would "not have been given a moment's thought".
New Westminster constituency boundary changes also mean that Scottish voters will now return 57 MPs, down from 59 at the last election.
Swinney, who became leader of the SNP earlier this month, said the Conservative government had done "enormous damage" to Scotland.
He added: "Scotland is protected by the SNP. If you vote for the SNP, you vote for a party that's going to put Scotland first."
As of Friday, Parliament will not be sitting. MPs will go back to their constituencies and campaigning begins in full.
But there are an awful lot of laws currently making their way through parliament. So what happens to them? We are expecting an announcement to confirm which bills will be debated in the time that remains.
Some like the Finance Bill, which includes tax measures the government announced in the Budget, have to pass. So that will take up some time.
Right now there are lots of questions about what will happen to the promised compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal.
Penny Mordaunt, the government minister who sets the business in the House of Commons, told MPs earlier she wanted to reassure people “the sentiments that have been expressed at this despatch box earlier this week still stand and I think all parties want that and other important legislation to get through”.
There seems to be goodwill from both main parties in making sure the infected blood compensation happens.
But on other laws going through parliament – like on renters reform, leaseholders reform, and criminal justice – there are big questions over whether they will get through before the end of Friday. We expect to find out from Mordaunt shortly.
Live Reporting
Edited by James Harness
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Sunak hits out at Labour's plans on taxes
Sunak is then asked if his party is a tax-raising government.
He says his legacy as chancellor was "to make sure we got UK through one of difficult periods in history", in reference to the pandemic.
He says we've cut taxes by £900 and says Labour opposes tax cuts.
What about the NHS?
Sunak is asked specifically about the Tories' pledge to build 40 new hospitals by 2030.
He says yes, they will be built by 2030.
He adds “we are fully committed” to the 40 hospitals pledge and that he thinks the "majority" have planning permissions.
There are “spades in the ground”, he tells viewers.
Economy won't 'change overnight' - PM
People are only “starting to feel” the benefits of the changes the Conservatives have brought to the economy, Sunak says.
He says it has been an “incredibly tough” few years, pointing to the Covid pandemic, war in Ukraine and its impact on energy bills.
“That’s not going to magically change overnight”, he adds, emphasising the government is making “progress”.
Sunak pressed about Rwanda scheme
Now, a question on an issue that's considered a central pillar of the prime minister's agenda: illegal immigration.
He’s being asked about record numbers around illegal channel crossings in specific months.
Sunak pushes back, and points to figures from the entirety of last year, where he says the numbers were down by around a third.
He also talks about working with French authorities in the Channel and the deal his government made with Albania.
Sunak is asked about the Rwanda scheme and when the first flight is due to depart for Kigali - to which he replies: "July."
What's the real reason for 4 July election?
Sunak is asked if the real reason he chose to hold an election is that he's concerned that inflation might rise and migration figures may worsen later in the year.
Sunak says this isn't the case and that people are just beginning to feel the benefits of an improving economy, particularly on inflation.
The reality is that progress and stability is returning and "I'm the one prepared to take bold action", he adds.
Video content
Tories have 'right plan' for security, Sunak says
Sunak then pivots to talking about how he views the world is in a “more uncertain place” than it has been in decades.
He then says that he believes the Conservatives have the “right plan” and are the only ones capable of delivering on "security".
Sunak jokes about 'drier' weather
Sunak starts by saying it's "certainly drier" than his speech yesterday.
He says the Tories have restored economy stability with energy bills coming down.
"Now is the right moment to build on the progress," he says.
BreakingSunak is up
Rishi Sunak is on BBC Breakfast now. Stay with us as we bring you all the latest lines from the prime minister - and watch live by pressing play at the top of the page.
A presidential-style campaign in the UK
Henry Zeffman
Chief political correspondent
This is going to be a presidential-style campaign.
We know that because Rishi Sunak made much in his speech about the fact that on 5 July either he or Sir Keir Starmer will be prime minister.
But the other notable thing is that it’s Sunak who is facing the media today, on day one.
That’s a little unusual — but tells a story. This is his gamble. And his attempt to make it work.
'It is clear we have turned a corner' - Sunak
Rishi Sunak is due on BBC Breakfast very soon - while we wait, here are some lines from his first interview of the day with GB News.
"After a difficult few years, I am pleased that economic stability is now returning to the country," he says, adding the economy has "turned a corner".
He says the choice at the general election is "who has got the boldest ideas, the clearest plan, to provide a secure future for you and your family".
We'll have more from the prime minister when he appears on BBC Breakfast very soon - as a reminder, you can watch by clicking the first play button at the top of the page.
Green Party focusing on picking up more seats
Later this morning, we'll be hearing from the prime minister.
But for now, BBC Breakfast has just been hearing from one of the smaller parties, the Green Party, which currently holds one seat in the Commons.
And Caroline Lucas - keeping that seat warm - has previously announced plans to stand down at the next general election.
Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader, says the focus ahead of 4 July is going to be on securing “a handful of seats" where their chances are good - "including in my home city of Bristol”.
“It’s clear that Sunak knows absolutely that the Tories are out at the next general election, and he’s just trying to make the best of a bad situation," Denyer adds.
What happens next?
When a general election campaign kicks off, there's still some tying up of loose ends that needs to take place.
Helpfully, BBC Breakfast has just spoken to Hannah White, the chief executive of the Institute for Government, about what those next steps are:
Why did Sunak decide to call a summer election?
Chris Mason
Political editor
The general election is on - it will soon be over to you.
For weeks there had been a growing expectation the election would be held in the autumn, giving the prime minister at least two years in office and giving the economic outlook a greater opportunity to improve.
But decisions can be on a knife edge - and there have been those pushing Rishi Sunak to go sooner.
Those making that argument felt that things might not improve much and that the perceived desire of the electorate to be given a say soon might risk making any Conservative defeat worse if the appointment with voters was pushed back.
In other words, do it now or it could get worse.
The prime minister can also point to at least some of his objectives being fulfilled, or seemingly en route to being fulfilled.
Wednesday's inflation number can be chalked up as a success.
The wider economic picture appears a little brighter too. Then there is the plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.
It hasn't happened yet but it would appear flights could be imminent, perhaps even during the election campaign, although the claim that it will act as a deterrent will not be tested before polling day.
Sunak vows to fight at first election rally
Rishi Sunak held his first general election rally last night, just hours after his rain-soaked Downing Street speech.
Sunak appeared at east London’s ExCel Centre, flanked by his wife Akshata Murty, most of his cabinet ministers and around 100 party members.
“Labour want you to think this election is over before it’s even begun," Sunak said, after being introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly.
“But we are going to fight. We are going to fight every day for our values and our vision.”
An early start as campaign gets under way
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Good morning from St Pancras train station in central London. It’s early morning on the first full day of the general election campaign - and we’re on the road already.
Leaders will spend the next six weeks travelling around the UK selling themselves and their visions to the country.
I’m going to spend the day following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He has a bit of a head start in this campaign. He was the one who called the election, so he’s had a bit more time to plan the first few days.
Let’s just say his schedule looks busy (which means mine does too).
Labour — and all the other parties — knew a general election could come at any time. They’ve all said they are ready.
I can tell you with absolute certainty as I jump on a train, you are going to see a lot from politicians dotting around the UK in the next six weeks.
'Things can only get wetter'
Andre Rhoden-Paul
Live reporter
As you'd expect, Sunak announcing the election dominates Thursday's front pages.
Many newspaper headlines describe the prime minister's 4 July date as a gamble, as Conservatives trail Labour in opinion polls.
A former Tory minister is quoted in the Financial Times describing the move as "bonkers", while the Daily Mail reports Michael Gove told the prime minister "you dared and you will win".
The Daily Telegraph makes light of a protester blasting Labour anthem Things Can Only Get Better during Sunak's speech in the pouring rain with the headline "things can only get wetter". However, its front page analysis piece declares, "If Sir Keir Starmer becomes prime minister things can only get worse."
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror writes "drown and out", splashing (sorry) on a picture of Sunak's drenched back.
Full Papers review here.
What other party leaders are saying
There will be political battles across the country and not just between the two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives.
Leaders of other big parties have given their reaction to the general election. Let’s bring you a flavour of what they have said:
What happens next?
Here are some key dates as we build up to this general election in six weeks' time:
SNP leader says choice of date shows disrespect for Scotland
Katy Scott
BBC Scotland news
Video content
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney says the decision to hold a general election as Scottish schools begin their summer break is the "latest act of disrespect" from the UK government.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the poll would be held on 4 July.
Swinney said that holding the vote in the first week of the holidays showed the impact on Scots would "not have been given a moment's thought".
New Westminster constituency boundary changes also mean that Scottish voters will now return 57 MPs, down from 59 at the last election.
Swinney, who became leader of the SNP earlier this month, said the Conservative government had done "enormous damage" to Scotland.
He added: "Scotland is protected by the SNP. If you vote for the SNP, you vote for a party that's going to put Scotland first."
Full story.
What happens to laws going through Parliament?
Harry Farley
Political correspondent
As of Friday, Parliament will not be sitting. MPs will go back to their constituencies and campaigning begins in full.
But there are an awful lot of laws currently making their way through parliament. So what happens to them? We are expecting an announcement to confirm which bills will be debated in the time that remains.
Some like the Finance Bill, which includes tax measures the government announced in the Budget, have to pass. So that will take up some time.
Right now there are lots of questions about what will happen to the promised compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal.
Penny Mordaunt, the government minister who sets the business in the House of Commons, told MPs earlier she wanted to reassure people “the sentiments that have been expressed at this despatch box earlier this week still stand and I think all parties want that and other important legislation to get through”.
There seems to be goodwill from both main parties in making sure the infected blood compensation happens.
But on other laws going through parliament – like on renters reform, leaseholders reform, and criminal justice – there are big questions over whether they will get through before the end of Friday. We expect to find out from Mordaunt shortly.