Responding to the ceremony swearing in Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said:

“After this grotesque electoral charade, the African community must not lose a second in refusing to recognise Robert Mugabe, and making clear to him that they will take whatever steps necessary to evict him from power.

“President Mbeki’s reluctance to rein in Robert Mugabe is both unacceptable and inexplicable.

“The British Government and international community must move fast to agree upon the widest possible range on international sanctions and signal a willingness to help with the burgeoning refugee crisis.

“Gordon Brown should announce immediately that he will waive the normal asylum procedures and allow Zimbabweans fleeing Mugabe’s regime to live and work here until they can return home.”