Welcome to the web site of Graham Watson

Graham Watson is the Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar. Graham is also the leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament. The ALDE Group is the largest third force ever in the 28 year history of the European Parliament.

Graham Watson was the first British Liberal Democrat ever to be elected to the European Parliament, winning the Somerset & North Devon constituency with a majority of over 22,500. In June 1999 Graham was elected to represent the new enlarged South West of England constituency, which covers Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall and which he has held since then. Gibraltar being added to the constituency after the European Parliamentary elections in June 2004.

GRAHAM'S NEW PUBLICATION - Making Migration Work for Europe

2008: Edited by Graham Watson MEP.

Migration is one of the greatest challenges facing not only the UK but the European Union as a whole. Graham has launched this new pamphlet entitled 'Making Migration Work for Europe' written together with eight MEPs from across the political spectrum.

Commenting about 'Making Migration Work for Europe', Graham said;

"I am pleased to have worked with this broad spectrum of MEPs from across the political divide to make the case for a radical rethink of Europe's Migration policy. Some steps have been made to fight illegal migration, but we must not turn Europe into a fortress. Only a comprehensive European solution can manage migration successfully. As a South West MEP, I know how important migration is to my constituents. Reports have shown how very hard pressed we would be in the South West without a pool of immigrant labour. "

On his own contribution Graham stated;

"Currently the Commission's half hearted efforts have meant Europe has been unable to effectively manage a migration policy. We must be willing to learn and adopt best practice so as to be successful at managing migration and promoting effective integration between communities. Ultimately we need a bold response to the demographic time bomb facing Europe."

For a free copy of this publication contact Graham's constituency office at Bagehot's Foundry, Beards Yard, Langport, Somerset TA10 9PS or email using the website.

Watson meets Zimbabwe opposition Leader New! Fri 16th May 2008 Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar, Graham Watson has today met privately with the MDC Leader Morgan Tsvangirai and the President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade at the Liberal International Congress in Belfast.

Gloucestershire Lib Dems fight for flood money in Brussels New! Wed 14th May 2008 The Liberal Democrat Leader on Gloucestershire County Council Jeremy Hilton joined local MEP Graham Watson in Brussels this week to press for a swift conclusion of the negotiations on the EU flood relief money.

UK government's flood money management is a disaster in itself New! Tue 13th May 2008 Speaking after discussing with senior officials at the European Commission the EU flood relief money for the UK, Graham Watson MEP for the South West and Gibraltar said:

Serbs vote for a European future New! Tue 13th May 2008 Watson welcomes Serb vote for a European future

MEP condemns £79 Million Treasury theft Thu 8th May 2008 South West MEP Graham Watson has reacted in fury to news that the Treasury will keep £79 Million of the £110 Million granted by the EU's Solidarity Fund to help with the clean-up from last year's floods.

Archive of earlier news stories.