Queen's Speech: No referendum pledge but there is backing for EU 'propaganda' promoting the virtues of Brussels Cameron under pressure to bring forward in-out referendum Buried in Queen's Speech is European Union Approvals Speech It authorises Europe for Citizens scheme developing 'understanding' of EU Britain is to sign off taxpayer-funded "propaganda" to promote the virtues European Union despite growing calls to quit Brussels altogether. Tory MPs had called on David Cameron to bring forward legislation in today's Queen's Speech for his promised in-out referendum. But instead, buried in the small print, was a plan for the UK to authorise the Europe for Citizens scheme which aims to "develop understanding of the EU." David Cameron, pictured walking from the Commons to the Lords today, is under pressure to take a tougher line on Europe to see off the threat posed by UKIP There was no mention of Europe in the speech delivered by the Queen to MPs and peers. The Tories are under pressure after the recent rise of the UK Independence Party culminating in them taking almost one in four votes in last week's local elections. Mr Cameron has promised to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU before staging an in-out referendum by 2017, if he is Prime Minister after the next election. But his strategy was blown apart yesterday when former Chancellor Lord Lawson said he would vote to leave the EU. Slipped into the detail of the government's legislation plans for the next year was the European Union Approvals Bill. There was no mention of Europe in the Queen's Speech, despite the issue threatening to split the Tory party and destablise the coalition The Queen's Speech contained several measures designed to address concerns raised by UKIP, including tackling immigration Described as a "minor technical Bill," it provides authorisation for the UK "to support measures and programmes in the European Union." Among three programmes listed, it includes Europe for Citizens which according to government briefing notes "aims to develop understanding of the EU, its history and policy-making processes and encourage civic participation in the EU." It also aims to "promote remembrance of Europe's history, particularly the wars and totalitarian regimes of the 20th century." The scheme, which has a 229 million euro budget for 2014-20, claims that most Europeans 'generally recognise the benefits of the EU' and 'want to see the Union becoming a more integral part of their national political landscapes'. By enshrining the Europe for Citizens scheme into British law, the UK will be able to apply for funds It aims to increase trust in EU institutions, potentially reaching 5million people across the continent. The revelation is likely to infuriate Tory MPs demanding Mr Cameron take a tougher line with Brussels instead of backing a scheme which promotes it. UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: "Hidden beneath the folds of froth Cameron offers a Bill to approve UK taxpayer spending on EU propaganda. He promises that he wants to fight Britain's corner, but spends our money propagandising on the EU's behalf to our children. By his acts not his words he must be known. UKIP leader Nigel Farage accused the government of backing EU 'propaganda' A government source said the scheme needed to be passed into UK law so that ministers can apply for funding from a £200million central pot available to all EU states. Britain would apply for money to pay for projects such as the commemoration for centenary of the outbreak of World War One, not promoting the EU, the source added. Some of the key measures announced in the Queen's Speech were seen as a reaction to the rise of UKIP. In particular, the government promised a crackdown on illegal immigration in the Queen's Speech today as concern about the impact of new arrivals to Britain hit a three-year high. The latest YouGov survey showed 57 per cent of people named immigration as being among the top three issues facing the country, its highest level since June 2010 and up 11 per cent on a year ago. A Pensions Bill will create a flat-rate pension of around £140-a-week from 2016.