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.

MEP condemns £79 Million Treasury theft New! 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.

Watson - EU wide missing alert system essential Thu 1st May 2008 Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson is supporting calls for the introduction of an EU missing alert system for children who are suspected of being abducted.

MEP Graham Watson - EU must act to stop porpoise and dolphin deaths Wed 23rd Apr 2008 Following the discovery this week of two further dead porpoises on Westcountry beaches, at Slapton Sands near Dartmouth and Torquay, Devon, local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson commented following his recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Commission on the plight of these marine mammals.

Archive of earlier news stories.