The best quotes from the first week of Britain’s election campaign

Back to the ballot box

“This House cannot any longer keep this country hostage…It is time for the voters to have a chance to pronounce on [the Brexit deal] and to replace this dysfunctional parliament with a new parliament that can get Brexit done so the country can move on.”

Boris Johnson makes the case for Britain’s third election in little more than four years

Sunny outlook

“We’re now going to be out on the streets for about six weeks. It’s going to be fun, and I’ve just had a weather forecast—it’s going to be good weather.”

Jeremy Corbyn launches Labour’s campaign. ITV

Boled over

“Remembering Kissinger’s great line about the Iran-Iraq war. ‘Pity they both can’t lose.’ #JohnsonVsCorbyn”

Nick Boles, a former Tory MP, stays neutral

Sweetness and light

“In 2017 we didn’t have that optimistic, positive domestic agenda…[this time] we’ve got it in spades.”

“A vote for any other party is a vote to put Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street.”

Matt Hancock, health secretary, plays good cop and bad cop in separate interviews. BBC

Enough is enough

“I am exhausted by the invasion into my privacy and the nastiness and intimidation that has become commonplace. Nobody in any job should have to put up with threats, aggressive emails, being shouted at in the street, sworn at on social media, nor have to install panic alarms at home.”

Heidi Allen, formerly of the Tories, Change UK and Lib Dems, quits politics. More than 50 MPs are to stand down

Final set

“As befits a distinguished former Wimbledon competitor, you have sat up there in your high chair, not just as an umpire …not just as a commentator…but above all as a player in your own right.”

Mr Johnson gives a barbed send-off to John Bercow, the departing Commons Speaker

On deaf ears

“Please make the best use of this time.”

Donald Tusk, the European Council president, on the latest Brexit extension—repeating a request he has made before

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