World Book Day is a great initiative says South West MEP

12.01.00am GMT Thu 6th Mar 2008

Today many schools and libraries across the South West of England will be celebrating World Book Day, a worldwide celebration of books initiated by UNESCO to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading. Graham Watson the Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar who is himself an author of a number of books that give an insight into European politics commented;

"This is a great initiative that encourages reading and emphasises the enjoyment that reading can bring to our lives."

He went on to comment on his own favourite book;

"As a keen yachtsman, my favourite book is "A Single Wave" by Webb Chiles, a yachtsman who relates his experiences including the storms that damaged or sank his boats, and his efforts to be the first American to sail solo around Cape Horn".

Editors Note:-

World Book Day 2008 in the UK and Ireland will take place on Thursday 6th March. Most other countries hold World Book Day on 23rd April every year. It is organised by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. The Day was first celebrated in 1995.

Graham Watson has authored or co-authored the following books:-

The Power of Speech (2006)

Liberalism - Something to Shout About (2006)

Liberal Democracy & Globalisation (2005)

EU've Got Mail!: Liberal Letters from the European Parliament (2004)

Liberal Language: Speeches and Essays. (2003)

2020 Vision (2001)

To the Power of Ten: UK Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament (2000)

The Liberals in the North-South dialogue (1980)