Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has been appointed to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe following a statement by the Prime Minister.
The Council of Europe is an international organisation whose stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Founded in 1949, it has 47 member states, covers approximately 820 million people and operates with an annual budget of approximately half a billion euros.
Unlike the EU, the Council of Europe cannot make binding laws, but it does have the power to enforce select international agreements reached by European states on various topics particularly with regards to human rights.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the Prime Minister has appointed me to the Council of Europe. One of the many great ideas from Winston Churchill, that focuses on protecting human rights.”
“Although we are leaving the EU, we will still be part of the Council of Europe and I look forward to bringing my Cornish credentials to this organisation in the future.”
“Of particular note, it was the Council of Europe that granted ethnic minority status to Cornish people after years of campaigning from Cornwall. Something that I am keen to ensure we make the most of.”
“I look forward to attending the Council of Europe in the future and speaking up for Cornwall.”