Britain's new coalition government set out plans on Tuesday to reform the electoral system and cut state interference in people's lives, while tackling a record budget deficit, Reuters reported. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance, Britain's first coalition for 65 years, also plans to allow private investment in state-owned distribution business Royal Mail. In a speech delivered on its behalf by Queen Elizabeth at the formal state opening of parliament, the government also proposed legislation to give British people a say on any transfer of powers to the European Union. Analysts said the programme of 22 bills, to go before parliament between now and late next year, was an ambitious start to a new era after Labour lost power for the first time since 1997. The centre-right Conservatives and smaller, left-leaning Lib Dems took office after an election on May 6, swiftly smoothing over differences on issues such as when to start cutting a deficit running at over 11 percent of national output. The Treasury set out plans on Monday to trim an initial 6.2 billion pounds from the deficit. Further cuts are expected to follow in an emergency budget to be presented in four weeks and the deficit issue cast a long shadow over the programme. -- SPA
