European Liberal Democrat leader Graham Watson MEP today paid tribute to Pat Cox's "leadership and vision" in his fifteen years of service as a Member of the European Parliament, following President Cox's announcement today that he will not stand again in the June elections to the European Parliament.

Speaking after Mr Cox made his valedictory address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, his last as the President of the House, Mr Watson said:

"President, on behalf of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Group, I wish to pay tribute to the leadership and vision you have displayed in your fifteen years of tireless service to this House. You have proven an outstanding President of the European Parliament, raising the profile of this House and ensuring that our voice is heard among EU leaders and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, through your eloquence and the judicious use of well-crafted sound-bites, you have communicated the practical benefits of our work to our citizens. We are proud that the first Liberal President of this House for twenty two years has also been one of the most successful."

"I would highlight two particular achievements of your Presidency: your energetic campaigning for enlargement, and the determination you have shown in reforming this House. As my predecessor as leader of the Liberal Group, you demonstrated our commitment to enlargement by involving MPs from the candidate countries in our work. You continued to demonstrate this commitment to reuniting Europe by campaigning in favour of "yes" votes in the accession referenda and by bringing observer MEPs to work with us in 2002. And you have brought this Parliament closer to reforms that we have campaigned for than ever before, and I have no doubt that we will succeed."

"We are sure that you still have much to contribute to Europe in whatever you do in the months and years ahead, and we say 'au revoir' today with a vote of thanks and our best wishes for the future."