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Queen Elizabeth unveils UK plans for fast-track referendum

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United Kingdom government has unveiled plans for a fastrack referendum on the country's membership of the European Union.

The referendum, part of an election promise by Prime Minister David Cameron, will follow talks aimed at reshaping the UK's relationship with the EU. The details were revealed amid the pomp and pageantry of Parliament's State Opening by Queen Elizabeth the second.

The State Opening of Parliament is one of those British traditions brimming over with Royal finery.

And although it's the 89 year-old Monarch who makes the journey from Palace to Parliament, seated in a Golden carriage, what she says is written for her.

The author on this occasion, summoned into the Queen's presence by Black Rod, UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Twenty days on from his surprise May 7 election triumph, he has a Parliamentary majority.

His biggest test renegotiating Britain's relationship with Europe.

And it could be sooner. To help his cause, Cameron's EU charm offensive is already underway.

Dinner with European Commission President Jean Claude Juncke, a man against whose Presidency he'd openly campaigned before meeting other EU leaders. Putting a case for changes to the EU's freedom of movement and a curb on welfare payments for EU migrants and explaining his opposition to ever great political union.

The problem is that many see difficulties with the EU as a specifically British problem

Cameron's aware he faces a rocky road securing reforms enough for a positive referendum result.

Which opens up the very real possibility that the UK – one of Europe's most successful economies in the EU – could be on a path to departure. The consequences could be incalculable.

 

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