British coalition’s agenda includes electoral reform and expanding civil liberties

BRITAIN’S new coalition government set out plans yesterday to reform the electoral system and cut state interference in people’s lives, while tackling a record budget deficit.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance also plans to allow private investment in state-owned Royal Mail, setting the scene for an early clash with trades unions that sharply criticised the new government’s programme.

In a speech delivered on its behalf by the queen at the formal state opening of parliament, the government also proposed legislation to give people a say on any transfer of powers to the European Union.