Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg, who has urged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons to remove Robert Mugabe’s knighthood, has welcomed the news that the Queen is to rescind the honour.

Nick Clegg said:

"This is an important step, but symbolism alone is not enough to end the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe. What is needed now is urgent international cooperation on sanctions which will hit the Mugabe regime where it hurts.

"Gordon Brown is right to realise at last the importance of making clear our disgust at the behaviour of Robert Mugabe.

"No person who behaves with such cruelty towards his own people should be able to do so with impunity."