Libdem Wales

Nick Clegg the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party in the United Kingdom is calling on the European Council and European Union to impact the world beyond Europe in a number of different ways.

Clegg and the Lib Dems are pleased with the 200 billion pound European stimulus package. While pleased to see Europe taking decisive action, Clegg lamented the fact that there was little mentioned regarding environmental issues, and there was no mention or discussion on the situation in Zimbabwe. Clegg challenged the Prime Minister to not rely on the VAT tax cut, but to seek to go beyond what was discussed at the summit and lead the UK on an international level. Clegg would also like to see the government in the UK encourage Europe to take the lead regarding climate change. Clegg challenged the Prime Minister to invest more in ‘green’ infrastructure in the UK rather than try to put money into people’s pockets by lowering the VAT tax.

Clegg was also alarmed to see that the issue of Zimbabwe was not mentioned in the council’s deliberations. Clegg questioned the government’s priorities and wondered if instead of being tough on Mugabe the law should allow Zimbabwean’s to seek work in the UK, and stop deporting Zimbabwean’s to an environment that is unhealthy for them.

Clegg also spoke of his frustration with the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Clegg believes Brown has not provided the leadership needed regarding the economy, climate change or in Zimbabwe and the Congo.