Brussels, 27/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - In her speech opening the new parliament on Wednesday 27 May, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom confirmed that the referendum on the European Union promised by Conservative leader David Cameron would be held before the end of 2017.
Addressing the Westminster Parliament, the Queen announced that the new Conservative government would present legislation on holding a referendum on whether the UK stays in the EU, before the end of 2017. The text will be officially presented on Thursday 28 May, and then will be discussed in the House of Commons. The Queen also presented the government's roadmap, providing for a tax freeze and social security cuts, amongst other things.
“Early legislation will be introduced to provide for an in-out referendum on membership of the European Union before the end of 2017”, the Queen told the members of parliament and of Cameron's government, AFP reports. She also announced that the government would not arrange a referendum until after it had renegotiated “United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union”. The BBC says that the question put to the people is likely to be: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the EU?” Cameron has started talks with his European partners regarding the renegotiation and has begun a tour of the European leaders (see EUROPE 11321). (Solenn Paulic)