Clegg Cleared: Ex-UK DP Visits Malta to Discuss Brexit
UK’s Former Deputy PM in Malta: ‘I’m Cleared, Now Let’s Talk Brexit’
Malta’s sunny streets echoed with a familiar British accent this week, as UK’s former Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, found himself in the limelight, not for his political past, but for his tax affairs. Standing outside the historic Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, Clegg addressed the media, a smile on his face, “I’m glad to put this behind me,” he said, referring to the HMRC’s decision to drop its investigation into his tax affairs.
From Westminster to Valletta: Clegg’s Tax Troubles
Clegg, who served as Deputy PM from 2010 to 2015, found himself in hot water last year when it was revealed that he had claimed £40,000 in tax relief for working from his second home in Chelsea. The HMRC, however, has now confirmed that they will not be taking the case further, clearing Clegg’s name.
But why Malta? Clegg, who is married to Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, a Spanish lawyer, has been a regular visitor to the island. His wife’s family owns a home in the picturesque town of Gozo, where Clegg has been spotted enjoying local cuisine and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. This time, however, his visit was anything but leisurely.
Clegg’s Malta Visit: More Than a Holiday
Clegg’s visit to Malta comes at a time when the UK is grappling with Brexit, a topic he is all too familiar with. As a key figure in the Remain campaign, Clegg has been vocal about his opposition to Brexit. His visit to Malta, he said, was an opportunity to discuss the implications of Brexit on Malta and the EU.
“Malta, like the rest of the EU, has a lot at stake in these Brexit negotiations,” Clegg told Hot Malta. “I’m here to listen, to understand the concerns of Maltese people, and to share my perspective on what’s happening back home.” Clegg met with local politicians, including Opposition Leader Adrian Delia, and addressed a packed audience at the University of Malta.
Clegg’s visit also coincides with the UK’s decision to grant Malta a post-Brexit trade deal. The deal, which was welcomed by Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, aims to maintain the current trade relationship between the two countries. Clegg, however, was quick to point out that the deal is a “stop-gap measure” and that the real challenge lies in the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
: Clegg’s Malta Connection
As Clegg prepares to leave Malta, he leaves behind a message of unity and cooperation. “Malta and the UK may be separated by the Mediterranean, but our futures are intertwined,” he said. “We must work together, learn from each other, and ensure that our relationship remains strong, regardless of what happens with Brexit.”
Clegg’s visit to Malta may have been sparked by his tax troubles, but it’s clear that his heart is in the political arena. As he steps back into the limelight, one thing is certain: Malta will be watching, and listening, to what he has to say about Brexit and beyond.
