Oct 27 - Sir Graham Watson to Lobby for Gib Government in Brussels
Sir Graham Watson, former MEP for Gibraltar is set to represent Gibraltar in Brussels on a three-year contract that will see him lead and direct lobbying activities of the Government.
Sir Graham’s position will further see him advice and guide the Government in connection with the implementation of strategies for the promotion of Gibraltar’s interests within the European Union. He will also focus on relations with the European Parliament and its recently elected MEPs, as well as the new European Commission set to take office next month.
Sir Graham will also be responsible for liaising and enhancing communication with the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representation to the EU (UKREP). He will also develop working relationships with pressure groups and other bodies, which represent EU citizens.
In an additional role to the purely political, Sir Graham will be charged with facilitating the promotion of business in Gibraltar from Brussels.
Sir Graham will currently work from the existing office in Brussels and will move to the new location once the purchase of new premises has been finalised.
Sir Graham insisted that he hoped to be able to build in the progress made by the Government ‘in promoting Gibraltar's political and business interests at EU level. I look forward to broadening the understanding of Gibraltar's contribution to the EU but also of the indefensible denial of the rights which Gibraltarians are entitled to as EU citizens and which must be respected.’
Also commenting on the matter the Chief Minister noted that Sir Graham’s familiarity with the issues Gibraltar faces in Europe means he can continue from where he left off.
