The UK is holding an important election on June 8th, so today we're bringing you some bonus

audio on that topic. It was recorded at an event several weeks ago and features Tyler and Steve

Davies of the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs. They talk about how the general election

could shape the terms of Brexit, how much further the EU and even the UK might splinter,

the prospects for the European left wing, and the populism underneath it all.

Now keep in mind, this was recorded shortly after Theresa May called for the snap election,

and as is usual right now, a lot has happened since then. Nonetheless, we hope you enjoy the

prognosticating. And we'll be back next week with Jill LaPore.

Conversations with Tyler is produced by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University,

bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems. Learn more at mercatis.org.

And for more conversations, including videos, transcripts, and upcoming dates, visit

ConversationsWithTyler.com.

Okay, Steve, you're the one with the British accent. Your country has called a snap election.

June 8th, why did Theresa May do it? And how is it going to change the terms of Brexit? What's your take?

Well, the simple answer, of course, as for any politician is, she's called it because she

thinks she's going to win, and improve her position in parliament. And that's almost certainly

going to be the case. Somebody very unkindly observed recently, Abraham Lincoln's prospects when

he picked up those theatre tickets for better than the Labour Party's right now.

But more seriously, there are two other reasons for her doing this. One of them is that she wants a

mandate for the kind of Brexit she wants to pursue. And the big argument now, I think, in Britain,

is not, should we leave the EU or not? I think the British public broadly thinks, yes, we've

decided to do this. Let's get on with it now, including most of the people who voted remain.

...