There is only one word for Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister: hypocrite.

It is one thing for the LibDem leader to refuse to comment on the latest tweet from his LibDem colleague, David Ward. Much as the media would like politicians to answer every question put to them, in the real world they constantly duck difficult issues.

But it is quite another thing for Mr Clegg to have the gall to turn up at a Board of Deputies reception, speak about the importance of countering “expressions of intolerance, of extremism, of hatred”, demand that society “stand up for the values of unity and respect”, stress the need for “sticking to the values you believe in through thick and thin” — and then refuse to answer a single question or utter a word of condemnation of a LibDem MP who plainly believes that Jews buy their way to power which they then excercise unduly.

Mr Clegg speaks fine words. But his inaction when confronted by the behaviour of David Ward shows that, from his mouth, they are entirely meaningless.