Downing Street reveals EU referendum question

THE Conservatives have unveiled the 27 laws they hope to pass this parliament in a Queen’s Speech dominated by the EU Referendum Bill.
The Queen during the State Opening of ParliamentThe Queen during the State Opening of Parliament
The Queen during the State Opening of Parliament

David Cameron promised a “One Nation Government” for hard working families, but much of the focus remained on the In/Out referendum now due in 2017.

Last night Downing Street revealed the wording for the vote, with the public to be asked “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the EU?”.

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A No 10 source said: “Over two years ago, the Prime Minister made a commitment to give the British people a very simple choice in an EU Referendum.

“He made clear then that this should not be on the basis of the status quo but on a reformed relationship with the EU that the PM is determined to deliver. The question is clear. It will be for voters to decide whether to stay or leave.”

The Queen’s Speech included a promise to ban rises in VAT and Income Tax, scrapping the subsidies which make onshore wind turbines viable, reform of strike laws to make it harder for unions to fund political parties and more benefit curbs.

The Government also unveiled the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill which made clear that the only councils receiving new devolved powers will be those choosing to introduce powerful elected new metro mayors.

In West Yorkshire, which has previously opposed the mayor plans, city leaders said they have restarted devolution talks and will make a decision based on any “game changing” offer from Whitehall.