AN East Lancashire MP will go Down Under on a fact-finding trip on constitutional affairs.

The Ribble Valley's Nigel Evans will visit Australia on a three-week tour next month.

He will undertake the tour as part of a seven-strong delegation of Conservative and Labour MPs led by Lord John Biffin.

The Australia branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are their hosts.

"Australia is going through constitutional changes at the moment and we will be studying proportional representation as well as the forthcoming referendum on breaking ties with Britain.

"I've never been to Australia and it is certainly going to be an interesting trip," the MP said.

Mr Evans was selected to undertake the trip in his capacity as Conservative spokesman on constitutional matters.

He is also hoping to meet expatriates from the Ribble Valley and make presentations of plaques to mayors in some of the towns he visits.

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