Kennedy heads up pro-Europe group

Mr Kennedy said it was a timely moment to take on the job

Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy says he will "breathe life" back into making the case for Europe, as the new president of the European Movement.

Mr Kennedy, who resigned as Lib Dem leader in 2006, said he was delighted to be asked to take up the job.

The European Movement, set up almost 60 years ago, lobbies for a united Europe and aims to be a platform for pro-Europeans from all parties.

It is planning a formal relaunch after Parliament resumes next month.

Mr Kennedy said: "I was delighted to be invited to take on this role and am grateful to colleagues from across the political spectrum for their confidence.

"Our task, quite simply, is to help breathe life and soul back into the constructive but not uncritical case for Europe which is crying out to be heard in British politics.

"This development could not come at a more timely moment and I relish the challenge and the opportunities ahead."

It comes as Prime Minister Gordon Brown comes under pressure to hold a referendum on the EU reform treaty.