GIVING Robert Mugabe a comfortable house in the UK would be the best way for the UK government to help the people of Zimbabwe, a Conservative former Foreign Office minister said on Wednesday.
Lord Renton of Mount Harry's claim came as peers discussed the situation in the troubled African country at question time in the House of Lords.
Lady Verma, answering on behalf of ministers, had said the economic situation had "improved significantly" since the formation of the inclusive government in the country.
But former Tory MP Renton asked: "Would you agree that the best way for us to help and assist the economic recovery of Zimbabwe would be to offer President Mugabe a safe, comfortable and well looked after home in Britain?"
Verma replied: "I think your suggestion is interesting, but I don't think I will comment on it further."
Renton served as a minister both the Foreign Office and the Home Office, and as a parliamentary secretary to the Treasury. He was Margaret Thatcher's chief whip between 1989 and 1990 and served in John Major's government as minister for the arts between 1990 and 1992.