A FORMER Labour MP and Oxfordshire resident went to Buckingham Palace to collect an honour for his work promoting human rights across Europe.

Terry Davis, MP for Hodge Hill Birmingham for 25 years, was awarded the CMG, a Companion Order of St Michael and St George, for his work with the Council of Europe (CoE).

Princess Anne presented the award to Mr Davis, who lives in Adderbury, on Thursday.

In 2004 he was elected secretary general of the council where he worked with presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers across Europe.

Mr Davis said: “I am delighted to receive this honour because it also recognises the important work done by the Council of Europe in promoting democracy and protecting human rights.”

  • The Order of St Michael and St George was founded by King George III in 1818 and is awarded to British subjects who have given extraordinary and important services abroad or in the Commonwealth.

Ranks are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG) and Companion (CMG).