Brexit referendum date confirmed for June 23, Cameron's Cabinet supports UK in EU

British Prime Minister David Cameron says his Cabinet recommends that Britain votes to stay in the European Union, repeating Chancellor George Osborne's warning to voters that a leaving the EU would be "a leap in the dark"

UK Prime Minister David Cameron
UK Prime Minister David Cameron

The UK will be holding a referendum on its continuing membership of the EU on the 23rd June, Downing Street has announced.

Speaking outside Downing Street, British Prime Minister David Cameron says his Cabinet recommends that Britain votes to stay in the European Union.

"I do not love Brussels, I love Britain,” he said. “I will never say that our country can't survive outside of Europe, we can achieve great things. But the question is will we be stronger and safer in a reformed Europe."

Britain can "play a leading role" from within "one of the world's largest organisations", he added.

Staying in Europe will protect jobs and national security, Cameron says.

He repeated Chancellor George Osborne's warning to voters that a so-called Brexit would be "a leap in the dark" and assured voters that Britain would never join the euro or eurozone bailouts.

"You will decide. Whatever your decision, I will do my best to deliver it," Cameron said. "I believe Britain will be safer, strong and better off in a reformed European Union."