Graham Watson MEP
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar
A local champion with an international reputation
Search
Get Email Updates
News from the Lib Dems in Government
Thank you for visiting my website. Using the menu at the top, you will be able to keep track of what I am doing on behalf of my constituents in the European Parliament and in the South West.
You can also sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, which delivers insights from the heart of Brussels straight to your inbox; make sure you find me on Facebook too.
I hope you find its content useful and informative. If you would like my help or any more information about the EU, please get in contact using the contact details on this site. Don't forget to check back regularly, as I constantly update this website with my latest videos, pictures, news and views.
For upto date information and for more insights into my work as a Member of the European Parliament, please follow my twitter feed @grahamwatsonmep
Best wishes,
Sir Graham Watson MEP
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar
Euro-MP fights for South West ports - Watson
-
Published on Tuesday 17th January 2006
Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg will today discuss the controversial proposed Directive on Marine Port Services. The Directive, designed to open up port services to competition, has been rejected on two previous occasions by Euro-MPs. Thousands of dock workers from across the European Union yesterday marched on the Parliament's Strasbourg seat, clashing with riot police, to voice their feelings.
Speaking from Strasbourg ahead of the vote tomorrow, South West England and Gibraltar Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson said:
"I believe this Directive will place an enormous regulatory burden upon small firms. I am naturally concerned for the firms operating out of my South West constituency, for example, in Falmouth, Avonmouth and Portland, and will use my vote accordingly".
Mr Watson, who leads the 106-strong Liberal and Democrat Group in the European Parliament, agreed feelings were running high across Europe.
"Whilst I can see the benefits in principle of liberalising Europe's maritime sector, this Directive fails to take account of the already privatised and competitive UK industry. Pursuing this legislation could result in huge job losses in European ports which are already among the most efficient in the world".
.