The MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale has spoken of his pride "to follow in Winston Churchill's footsteps" with his new role in Europe.
David Morris has been named interim leader of the UK delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and nominated as the UK’s candidate as a vice-president of the Assembly.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is the parliamentary arm of the Council of Europe, a 46-nation international organisation dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Sir Winston Churchill, legendary former Prime Minister of the UK, was one of the founding fathers of the Council following the Second World War.
"The Council of Europe was founded by Winston Churchill after World War 2 (and) it's a great honour as first and foremost the Member of Parliament for our vibrant community, and to follow in Churchill's footsteps," said Mr Morris.
"It's a big deal to be appointed leader of the UK's cross-party delegation of MPs and there are some very challenging issues to address; for example the security of Europe as a whole.
"I always find a way forward and work amiably and professionally with our European counterparts.
"I'm known for getting things done amongst my colleagues, and I will handle each and every issue the same as I approach every issue in our community, to find a way forward and get the right results."
Not to be confused with the European Union, the Assembly is made up of 318 members drawn from the national parliaments of the Council of Europe's member states, and generally meets four times a year in Strasbourg, France.
Each country, depending on its population, has between two and 18 representatives. The Assembly has a President and 20 vice-presidents.
Mr Morris, who has been MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale since 2010, is a full member of the Parliamentary Assembly on the Council of Europe and was recently appointed to the EU/UK Parliamentary Partnership Association.
He has had several other roles since becoming an MP, including at different times serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretaries of State for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Conservative was also PPS to the Minister for Immigration until September 2018 and PPS to the Secretary of State for Education until June 2019, and PPS to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government until July 2019.
He has also been an Assistant Government Whip, and in 2022 was appointed as the UK National Space Champion.
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