British Prime Minister David Cameron is touring Europe to get EU reform for the UK, or else Britons will vote to leave, he warns.

The first leg of his European tour will take him to Holland and France, as he tries to build support for the changes he wants.The changes are unpopular in Europe, but Cameron is hoping they will be enough to avert a vote in favor of leaving the EU.

The Tories had promised an EU referendum if they win power in the election. Now that they have, decision time may come sooner than expected. The government wants to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, as it is straining relations with the rest of the continent, and the uncertainty is impacting Britain’s economy.

It is a risky move, because an exit from the EU would have far reaching consequences for Britain and the rest of Europe.

Cameron offered the referendum to appease the right-wing of his party who were swaying towards UKIP. But he has consistently said he will campaign to stay in the Union.

His foreign secretary, Philip Hammond says the PM is confident of securing “substantive” changes ahead of the UK’s referendum. He has indicated there could be a referendum as early as next year if the right reforms were secured.

The prime minister has not set out in full detail the reforms he is pushing for, but they will include tougher rules to prevent migrants claiming benefits and an exemption for Britain from the EU drive for "ever closer union".

The issue of Europe and anti-immigration sentiment in particular has flourished in recent years. The recession has played a part as Britons look for reasons why they are struggling financially, and the tabloid and corporate press point the fingers at immigration levels. This shift to the right has been echoed in British politics, with rhetoric dangerous close to open and explicit racism being used by even mainstream parties.

The EU referendum bill, which has been published and was earlier presented to the Commons, contains details of the question and the commitment to staging the vote by the end of 2017.

Downing Street wants voters to be asked the question: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?" It is a question that for now remains unanswered.

NM/SKL