Cameron hails 'real progress' over EU reform proposals

David Cameron has hailed proposals for Britain's future relationship with the European Union as "real progress" but said there was "more work to be done".

The blueprint, which has been published in Brussels, sets out plans for an "emergency brake" on benefits for migrant workers, as well as measures to give national parliaments more power to block EU laws.

European Council president Donald Tusk released the proposals following intensive discussions with the Prime Minister and UK officials.

The document paves the way for an in/out referendum in June, provided it is agreed by all 28 national leaders at a crunch Brussels summit on February 18-19.

Mr Tusk said the package was "a good basis for a compromise", adding that "there are still challenging negotiations ahead. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed".

The Prime Minister dismissed criticism of the draft, insisting that the measures put forward showed that change could be achieved.

He said: "So, real progress, more work to be done, more detail to be nailed down, but we said we needed to deliver in four key areas, this document shows real progress on that front."