15 Most Recent Stories From Graham Watson MEP News Stories

Fri 11th Jul 2008:

Pensions process eased by Euro Parliament bill

Women will benefit at retirement from new legislation passed by the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week. The measures will assist and simplify procedures for national authorities in processing cross border cases, where citizens have paid into the national social security schemes in other European Member states.

Thu 10th Jul 2008:

French EU Presidency: a strong ambition for results that remain to be obtained

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe welcomed the European ambition that Nicolas Sarkozy displayed today whilst speaking before the European Parliament. However, the Liberals underline that there is a real urge, now that the Irish voted against the Lisbon Treaty, to obtain concrete results during this sixth-month-term to bring Europe closer to its citizens.

Zimbabwe: Responsibility now rests with African neighbours

A resolution, passed by the European Parliament today, on the situation in Zimbabwe says that a transitional government of national unity would help end the climate of terror sweeping through Zimbabwe since the presidential elections campaign started.

The EU agreement on the Olympics opening ceremony can be a starting point for a more effective stance on human rights in China

Following the announcement by French and incumbent EU President Nicolas Sarkozy that, in agreement with all the EU Heads of Government, he is to participate to the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on behalf of the European Union, Graham Watson, Leader of the Alliance of the Liberals and Democrats at the European Parliament commented:

Tue 8th Jul 2008:

Cross-party initiative to put Lisbon agenda back on track

European Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson and six other MEPs from different political Groups launched today the pamphlet "The Lisbon Strategy: Mode d'Emploi". The common theme in this collection of essays is the urgency with which Europe must forge ahead to ensure its economic competitiveness on the global stage.

Airline bill guarantees price transparency - MEP Watson

The European Parliament will endorse tomorrow a Liberal Democrat bill imposing strict price transparency rules on airline companies. Taxes, additional charges such as fuel supplements and actual ticket costs will have to be clearly indicated whether the ticket is purchased online or through an agent.

Thu 3rd Jul 2008:

Graham Watson's comments following the release of Ingrid Betancourt

Graham Watson MEP has warmly welcomed the news of the rescue of Ingrid Betancourt from her six year long detention at the hands of the revolutionary armed forces of Colombia (FARC), along with three US hostages and 11 Colombian military personnel.

Wed 2nd Jul 2008:

Cross border health package first important step

Today the European Commission presented its package on Patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. Local Lib Dem MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson is pleased that Commissioner Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Health has shown courage by coming forward with her proposals which are regarded as a first important step toward a free European patient area.

Watson - Liberal Democrats make their mark on the European Commission's Anti-Discrimination Directive

After strong representation and argumentation from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, led in the European Parliament by local MEP Graham Watson, the European Commission has finally announced today a proposal for a "horizontal" directive on the fight against discrimination in the European Union. This directive is called "horizontal" because it widens the existing legal framework to include all types of discrimination (not just disability but also age, sexual orientation and religion) and enlarges the various fields of application (from the workplace to goods and services and social protection). ALDE is proud to have reached this result, having been heavily involved from the outset of this initiative by the Commission, which will now be adopted under the legal base (art. 13, TCE) which unfortunately marginalizes completely the European Parliament as the Council will decide by unanimity.

Tue 1st Jul 2008:

Watson - slash and burn of Post Offices nothing to do with Brussels

Local Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson continues to lend his support to local campaigners from across the region who are fighting to save their local Post Offices, and has criticised the government's lack of imagination. The weekend Graham met with local Campaigners at Hinton St. George in Somerset.

Mon 30th Jun 2008:

Recycling targets good for region says MEP Watson

Following a recent agreement between MEPs and Europe's environment Ministers to set a target of recycling 50% of household waste by 2020, and 70% for industrial and commercial waste, national Governments could face substantial fines if they fail to introduce the necessary measures.

Ban on Sale of Small Kiwi Absurd

As a Bristol fruit seller is told his small kiwi fruit aren't up European rules, local Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson, says he is backing proposals to get the rules changed.

Thu 26th Jun 2008:

France is gearing up for an efficient term at EUs helm - Watson

Tuesday 1 July sees Nicolas Sarkozy's France take on the Presidency of the European Union. It will put them in the Chair of meetings of EU Ministers until the end of the year.

Mon 23rd Jun 2008:

Local MEP Watson - Cycle scheme great for Bristol

As Bristol becomes England's first cycling city, with investment in dedicated cycling lanes, better facilities and more training for children, Bristol's Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson welcomed the scheme,

Fri 20th Jun 2008:

Continued support for EU cannot be taken for granted

As European Union leaders seek a way out of the dilemma posed by the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, Graham Watson the Lib Dem MEP for the South West and Gibraltar who leads the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament, underlined the primary message that they should all be taking home to their respective capitals, namely that "further construction of the European Union can no longer rely on the tacit support of its citizens".

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