EU draft to clear way for Cameron to hold UK referendum in June

A draft EU document aiming to satisfy David Cameron’s demands for reform is to be published on Tuesday morning, paving the way for a referendum on the UK’s membership in June.

 

The paper is being released by Donald Tusk, the EU council president, and will be discussed by the leaders of each member state in just over two weeks’ time.

 

It is expected to offer an “emergency brake” on migration, giving countries the ability to suspend benefits for up to four years, and a “red card” veto system enabling national parliaments to club together to block EU legislation.

 

The prime minister will then give a speech at midday setting his verdict on the attempted renegotiation, which is likely to be highly detailed and will explain any legislative changes that are needed.

 

Senior British sources said they were encouraged by the progress in the prime minister’s negotiations, which intensified over the weekend when he met the European commission president, Jean-Claude, Juncker, on Friday and had dinner with Tusk at No 10 on Sunday night.

 

Tusk originally said there was no deal but then tweeted on Monday night that he had made good progress with British and other officials, though there are still outstanding areas.

 

Read More: EU draft to clear way for Cameron to hold UK referendum in June | World news | The Guardian