Graham Watson - Liberal Democrat MEP for South-West England and Gibraltar

Watson: This is a better Commission - it should have a brighter future

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 5th Nov 2004

Graham Watson MEP listening to José Barroso

Graham Watson MEP listens to José Barroso

"With Mr Buttiglione gone, this Commission has lost its weakest link," ALDE Leader UK MEP Graham Watson said today after a meeting at the European Parliament with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. Mr Watson called the new line-up a "better Commission" but warned that the Parliament would subject new and reshuffled Commissioners to "rigorous" hearings.

Mr Watson said:

"I welcome the speed and skill with which Mr Barroso has worked to address the concerns of the European Parliament. With Mr Buttiglione gone this Commission has lost its weakest link. This is now a better Commission. It should have a brighter future.

"Mr Barroso has worked fast to present his new team. But the Parliament must not rush the work of subjecting it to proper scrutiny. The hearings for new and reshuffled Commissioners will be rigorous. There is no question of a rubber stamp."

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Previous news story: Graham Watson MEP celebrates the life of liberal father, John Locke (Thu 28th Oct 2004).
Next news story: EU Constitution could mean greener European energy policy - Watson (Tue 9th Nov 2004).

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