UK parliament dissolves ahead of July general election

STORY: UK parliament dissolves ahead of July general election SHOOTING TIME: May 30, 2024/FILE DATELINE: May 31, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:47 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): ZHANG BONING, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (courtesy of 10 Downing Street) 3. various of British parliament House of Commons (file of May 2024) 4. various of British parliament building STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): ZHANG BONING, Xinhua correspondent "The British parliament dissolved on Thursday in anticipation of the general election scheduled for July 4. The dissolution marks the conclusion of all parliamentary activities in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords." Campaigning has officially kicked off as 650 parliamentary seats in the Commons became vacant at one minute past midnight (2301 GMT) according to the electoral schedule. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last week that the country will hold a general election on July 4. The Conserv