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Former ALDE leader Graham Watson MEP (Liberal Democrat, UK) will today (20th October) receive his knighthood at Windsor Castle.

Sir Graham was awarded the honour for public and political service. From 2002 to 2009 he was leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) group in the European Parliament. The only UK MEPs to have been similarly honoured in previous years also led transnational political parties in the European Parliament.

Graham will receive his knighthood together with around 80 other recipients who are being awarded honours for their contribution to their community, country, sport or their profession.

Ahead of the investiture, Sir Graham said:

"The European Parliament and the work of the UK's MEPs are often overlooked. I see this honour in part as a recognition of the importance of the EU's Parliament and the work that is done there."

"Over the seven years which I spent leading Liberal Euro-MPs from across the EU, I managed to shape decisions to the benefit of Europe's citizens. I think there is still a lot to play for in building Liberal strength across Europe, and hope to be able to contribute further to this endeavour in the years to come."

Late last year Graham Watson's latest book ‘Building a Liberal Europe: the ALDE project’, which charts  the development of Liberal Democrat influence in Europe from his unique perspective as leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe 2002-2009 was published by John Harper.

ENDS