Graham Watson MEP

European renewable energy is answer to Gazprom gas crisis - Watson

Published on Tuesday 7th February 2012

Liberal Democrat MEP and ELDR President Sir Graham Watson, who is Chairman of a global network of MPs and MEPs from all mainstream political parties working to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy called the Climate Parliament has today said that the switch to green energy has now become just as much an energy security issue as an environmental imperative.

Commenting on the ongoing crisis where Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and Germany have experienced reductions of up to 30% in Russian gas supplies from Gazprom over the last few days, Sir Graham said:

"The freezing conditions across Europe highlight yet again the dangers of being so overly-reliant on Russia for a quarter of our gas. Gazprom has - understandably - diverted its supplies to keep Russian homes warm, leaving many European countries short and prices on the rise."

"And we just don't know what Gazprom will do next.

Read more: European renewable energy is answer to Gazprom gas crisis - Watson

Lib Dem MEP Sir Graham Watson urges EU to stand up for LGBT rights in developing world

Published on Tuesday 7th February 2012

South West Liberal Democrat MEP and President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform party Sir Graham Watson today introduced David Chalmers, who sits on the Board of the Kaleidoscope Trust, to European Commissioner for development Andris Piebalgs regarding EU funding for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex issues in the developing world.

The Kaleidoscope Trust is a LGBTI rights group launched in September 2011 which works tirelessly around the world to promote diversity and freedom from unlawful discrimination for LGBTI people. The trust's aim is respect for all regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Commenting after the meeting, Sir Graham said "The Kaleidoscope Trust and I are pushing for more of the EU's overseas aid budget to be spent on the promotion of LGBT rights in the developing world.

Read more: Lib Dem MEP Sir Graham Watson urges EU to stand up for LGBT rights in developing world

European Parliament: EU must not help launder authoritarian leaders' ill-gotten gains

Published on Tuesday 31st January 2012

The European Parliament will on Thursday vote on a report on EU policy towards the leaders of authoritarian regimes. It is expected to pass with a comfortable majority.

The report has been timed to coincide with a European Commission and EEAS review of the EU's sanctions policy which has been requested by the Council of Ministers. It is widely expected that this report will feed in to that process.

Read more: European Parliament: EU must not help launder authoritarian leaders' ill-gotten gains

Wells MP Joins Forces With Euro-MP To Tackle Circus Animal Welfare

Published on Tuesday 31st January 2012

MP for Wells Tessa Munt and Lib Dem MEP for South West England Sir Graham Watson have joined forces to raise awareness of Tessa's campaign to ban wild animals from performing in circus acts across the United Kingdom.

Following on from a successful court case in Austria in which an attempt to overturn a recent ban on circus animals was thrown out, Tessa and Graham are now demanding that the UK Government bans the practice.

Commenting, Tessa said, "Entertainment is no excuse for this barbaric treatment of wild animals in circuses. Other European countries already have a ban.

Read more: Wells MP Joins Forces With Euro-MP To Tackle Circus Animal Welfare

Sir Graham Watson to Address ‘Better Lives with Less?’ Discussion in Ilminster

Published on Monday 30th January 2012

Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar Sir Graham Watson will be one of two key speakers at the Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster on Friday 10th February at 7.30pm at the 'Better Lives with Less?' event being organised by the South Somerset Climate Action Group.

The discussion will focus on future local and global challenges such as climate change, investment in infrastructure, water and food shortages and an ageing workforce. As leader of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, Sir Graham has recently led discussions on the future of Europe at a European leaders summit in London alongside Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Read more: Sir Graham Watson to Address ‘Better Lives with Less?’ Discussion in Ilminster