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Nick Clegg insists he won't back down in Lord Rennard row

Nick Clegg has insisted he will not back down on his demands for Lord Rennard to apologise to women who made allegations about his behaviour. The party's former chief executive has launched legal action to block a second internal inquiry.

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  1. Libby Wiener

Lord Rennard explains 'I will not offer an apology'

Lord Rennard has just issued a statement to his colleagues in the House of Lords, explaining his refusal to apologise over allegations of sexual harassment.

He said:

Courtesy has always been an essential part of my moral compass.

If ever I have hurt, embarrassed or upset anyone, then it would never have been my intention and, of course, I regret that they may have felt any hurt, embarrassment or upset.

But for the reasons given, I will not offer an apology to the four women complainants.

I do not believe that people should be forced to say what they know they should not say, or do not mean.

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