Nick Clegg, the former leader of the UK’s third party, the Liberal Democrats, recently resettled back in London. He departed his role at Meta in January to form the nonprofit. In a series of candid remarks, Clegg shared insights on political figures, the tech industry’s culture, and his new book, “How to Save the Internet.” His remarks offer a fascinating glimpse into the state of play across the ever-shifting political and technological landscapes.
As a result, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said on Friday that he would have opposed David Cameron’s decision. He had opposed the 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union. On his previous coalition partner, he left himself precious little wiggle room, writing, “I had few words to say on David Cameron. However, he has kept a personal belief in that Britain will rejoin the EU one day within his lifetime.
Clegg recognized that British Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are “good people.” He blasted them for being “maddeningly cautious” in their execution. He regretted the timidity in their leadership, stating that, “I just wish they took bigger swings. It’s all these endless half measures.”
Clegg’s departure from Meta coincided with a noticeable shift in Silicon Valley’s political attitudes. First, prominent tech billionaires, starting with Mark Zuckerberg, followed quickly by Jeff Bezos, then Tim Cook, all started beating a path to Donald Trump’s door. Clegg remarked on this culture within Silicon Valley, noting, “If you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” He characterized the environment as one of “hubris” filled with “wealthy and macho men who think they are victims.”
In discussing Zuckerberg, Clegg highlighted his “endlessly curious” nature regarding various subjects, even those in which he did not excel. He thinks that curiosity has come from the tech industry’s mistakes. Silicon Valley’s insularity, Clegg argues, has profoundly affected the valley’s ability to learn from its past mistakes.
Clegg’s posted-mortem of his time in Westminster was perhaps the most insufferable. He traced this feeling to the place’s dependence on its former greatness and its overwhelming pretentiousness. Clegg’s is a dissenting voice in today’s politics. He doesn’t envision himself going back into public office. If debates start in Britain about the merits of rejoining the EU, he is more than willing to bring the political fight.
At this moment, Clegg’s wife, Miriam González Durántez, is considering heading up a new centrist party in Spain. This new creation, if it materializes, will deepen the connection between their political legacies.
“I’d drop everything – whether to stuff envelopes or man the barricades.” – Nick Clegg