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.

Graham Watson mourns the death of political mentor and friend Russell Johnston Mon 28th Jul 2008 Following the death last night in Paris of Lord Russell Johnston, Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson who represents the South West and Gibraltar and who is leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament commented on the loss of his friend and political mentor;

Watson Coordinates Action Against Olympic Rights Abuses Tue 22nd Jul 2008 Graham Watson MEP for the South West and Gibraltar and Leader of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament, has written to liberal and democrat prime ministers and party leaders in Europe asking them to join him in writing to the Chinese premier, Hu Jintao, to demand that China meets the human rights commitments it agreed to as part of its bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

Graham Watson mourns the death of a friend and a great European Tue 15th Jul 2008 Following the death of the Polish statesman and former dissident Bronislaw Geremek. Graham Watson Commented on his friend and fellow Liberal MEP;

Pensions process eased by Euro Parliament bill Fri 11th Jul 2008 Women will benefit at retirement from new legislation passed by the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week. The measures will assist and simplify procedures for national authorities in processing cross border cases, where citizens have paid into the national social security schemes in other European Member states.

French EU Presidency: a strong ambition for results that remain to be obtained Thu 10th Jul 2008 The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe welcomed the European ambition that Nicolas Sarkozy displayed today whilst speaking before the European Parliament. However, the Liberals underline that there is a real urge, now that the Irish voted against the Lisbon Treaty, to obtain concrete results during this sixth-month-term to bring Europe closer to its citizens.

Archive of earlier news stories.