On 18 May, former President of the ALDE Party and former Leader of the ALDE Group in the European Parliament, Sir Graham Watson discussed the recent Scottish election results with about fifteen members of the Renew Europe group in the European Committee of the Regions (Renew Europe CoR).

Sir Graham Watson argued that the recent elections were significant, as they resulted in a growing demand for independence:

“I have never feared independence but I have never favoured it either. The Liberal Democrats have always been in support of EU membership, but Scotland unlike Denmark or Finland which have a similar size economy is not prepared for independence due to lack of investment and diversification of the economy.”

Talking about the UK Contact Group of the European Committee of the Regions, which intends to maintain lines of communication between local and regional authorities in the European Union and the UK’s cities, regions and devolved administrations, he added that:

“The most we can hope for is that our European colleagues will show patience and tolerance the UK doesn’t deserve. I would ask for time, and I will devote all my energy into bringing the UK back into the EU: we need your solidarity, patience, tolerance and your help.”

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Photo taken at ALDE Party Congress in London in 2013