Campaigning with Graham

ALDE 4 Equality

The ALDE group has campaigned for initiatives in the European Parliament to improve GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) rights and fight homophobia and discrimination in Europe and around the world.

ALDE is the only group in the European Parliament to sponsor the participation of its Members in Gay Pride and Equality Events, through the project "ALDE 4 Equality". Many ALDE MEPs have taken part in this ALDE 4 Equality campaign, with some even having faced arrest.

To read about exactly what action ALDE have taken in the European Parliament, follow this link; http://www.alde.eu/en/campaigns/equality.

In the past, Graham has helped individuals fight campaigns on gay rights in Gibraltar and equality for British same sex couples in Europe, and spoken out against anti-gay legislation around the world.

Broadening Horizons

It is estimated that Britain's below average language skills costs business £9bn- not to mention the missed opportunities for millions of Brits. That's why Graham, a qualified translator, has long campaigned for better language teaching in our schools.

In 2006 he established the 'Broadening Horizons' project which, with the assistance of the Republic of China, brings enthusiastic language teachers from Taiwan to state secondaries in his constituency at very little cost to schools involved.

The scheme has since taken off, with 8 schools from all around the South West participating in 2009-2010 and over 400 pupils having benefitted. For more details about Broadening Horizons, visit www.broadeninghorizons-uk-taiwan.com.

The scheme has been generously supported by local businesses. If you would like to help it expand and reach more young people, contact Jane Gardner, the Broadening Horizons Coordinator;

• jgardner@sblonline.org.uk

• 01454 868 020

The e-Parliament

Graham is Chairman of the e-Parliament, which aims to bring together elected legislators from around the world to share ideas about how to tackle the biggest challenges facing us today.

18,000 legislators now publish their details on the e-Parliament website (http://www.e-parl.net) and take part in conferences with NGOs and businesses to share best policy practice.

The organisation has decided to focus on tackling climate change, and coordinating the implementation of globally agreements in parliaments around the world.

Citizens are encouraged to get involved by taking part in votes, contributing ideas and questioning legislators through the website.

• The e-Parliament Website.

My Europe Campaign

Eurobarometer polls show that a staggering 83% of Brits feel they know little or nothing about the EU. There is also a growing fear amongst people that their voice is not heard in Europe.

In response to this, Graham launched his "My Europe" Campaign, which will see him get his walking boots on, hit the pavements of the South West and make contact with the 5m people he represents.

If you want to help reconnect the South West with Europe,

• Help Graham re-connect the South West with Europe.

ALDE Campaigns

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats campaign on a number of different issues including the environment, political transparency and human rights.

To read more about what liberals are doing to make Europe and the world a better place to live, visit the ALDE website;

• Website of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.