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UK News

General Election results: Christian reaction

by Eno Adeogun

Gareth Wallace, executive director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, told Premier the results mark a major change.

"These incredible people have lost seats - wonderful Christians have lost seats. New people are coming in - new fresh blood across the parties."

While he was surprised Prime Minister Theresa May called the election, he said he agreed with her motive of wanting to have a strong mandate for Brexit negotiations.

Explaining a possible reason for lost seats he said: "Perhaps there has been a strong remain vote that has been reflected in certain key seats."

Listen to executive director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, Gareth Wallace speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

Rachael Maskell was re-elected as Labour's MP for York Central and told Premier it had been a "fantastic night" for her party.

She told Premier their gains across the country came about because of the "real agenda of hope" Labour put forward.

She added: "Unfortunately, the Conservatives ran a deeply cynical campaign and really tried to undermine Labour.

"I think in politics what we look for today is integrity in our politicians and also in our parties and I think Labour has been the answer to that."

Listen to Rachael Maskell, Labour's MP for York Central speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

Stephen Timms was also re-elected as the Labour MP in East Ham.

He said that it had been a dreadful night for the Conservatives and questioned May's future as Prime Minister.

Speaking to Premier, he explained what could have brought about Labour's success: "It looked to me as though a lot more young people than usual were voting.

"I think that's very good news - I think it's good news for our democracy and I think it reflects great credit on Jeremy Corbyn's campaign.

Listen to Stephen Timms, Labour MP in East Ham speaking during Inspirational Breakfast to John Pantry and Rosie Wright:

Ben Ryan from religion and society think tank Theos told Premier that, despite Labour's gains, the leader's powers were limited.

Talking about Jeremy Corbyn during Inspirational Breakfast he said: "He can't create a progressive coalition even if every other party were to back him.

"All he can really do is keep that pressure on and try and force them to do something sensible."

Listen to Ben Ryan from religion and society think tank Theos speaking during Inspirational Breakfast to John Pantry and Rosie Wright:

Premier's political editor Martyn Eden doesn't think it was a good night for any of the parties.

He said: "It's a disaster for Teresa May personally for obvious reasons. It's a disastrous issue for the government and for the Conservative party."

Eden believes the Conservatives will have to rethink a lot of their policies if they want to get back into government.

He also highlighted Labour's missed opportunity: "It's also I think a disaster for the Labour party - they could have won this election and they failed."

Listen to Martyn Eden, Premier's political editor speaking during Inspirational Breakfast to John Pantry and Rosie Wright:

John Glen who was re-elected as MP for Salisbury also said he was disappointed by the results.

He said during Inspirational Breakfast: "This isn't the result that we hoped for. It isn't the mandate - the extended majority that the Prime Minister sought."

Despite believing the Prime Minister is someone of "enormous integrity" he said there were mistakes in the prosecution of the campaign and that it was "highly centred around her."

Listen to John Glen, MP for Salisbury speaking during Inspirational Breakfast to John Pantry and Rosie Wright:

It is now thought the Conservatives may seek to do a deal with Northern Ireland's DUP to form a government.

Jeffrey Donaldson is a Christian and has been re-elected the DUP MP for Lagan Valley.

He told Premier there hasn't been any phone calls yet but said: "Obviously, the Government will want to reflect on what has happened here.

"I do expect that there will be communications."

Listen to Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP MP for Lagan Valley speaking during Inspirational Breakfast to John Pantry and Rosie Wright:

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