"Stronger together, poorere apart" - Graham Watson MEP launches European campaign in the South West

3.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Graham Watson MEP has launched the Liberal Democrats' European campaign for the South West of England & Gibraltar with a call for co-operation between Britain & its European counterparts.

As voters in the constituency seek to find out more about the policies of the parties and candidates across the board, Mr. Watson has reminded the people of the South West of the importance of working alongside their European neighbours to get results for Britain.

Mr. Watson appeared at a campaign rally in West Camel, Somerset on Friday 24 April, alongside fellow candidate Kay Barnard, MP for Somerton & Frome David Heath, and Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Somerset County Council Jill Shortland.

Speaking at the rally, Mr. Watson said:

"We believe we are stronger together, poorer apart - now is not the time for isolationism. We are not apologists of Europe, but Europe's critical friend; giving credit where credit's due and criticism where it's needed.

It is my view that we are about to fight our best election campaign ever and send out a strong message about the future of our party. As is clearly visible in the South West, where Liberal Democrats are credible, Liberal Democrats win."

Editors notes:

*The Liberal Democrats' European campaign for the South West of England & Gibraltar has been launched with a series of rallies taking place across the region. The party's final rally takes place on Fri 1 May at Allendale Centre, Hanham Rd, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1AS

*Kay Barnard is second on the party's list of candidates for the European elections on June 4th 2009. A former Somerset County Councillor, Kay is a director of a farm in Somerset which is a beacon site for its environmental work, on a large wetland site near the Severn Estuary.

For further information on Kay's campaign, please visit www.kaybarnard.org

*Funding for counties including Devon, Cornwall & Somerset has been secured through the region's involvement in Europe. The Liberal Democrats are committed to seeking out & retaining funds available from the EU for all counties across the region