Shakira talks education for all with British PM

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown held talks with Shakira on Monday, winning widespread praise from the sultry singer that he probably wishes could rub off on members of his ruling Labour Party.

Colombia's biggest-selling pop star, famous for songs like "Hips Don't Lie" and "Whenever, Wherever", applauded thepremier for having "wonderful intentions" and being "very smart" and "brave".

Her comments came during a conference call by the Global Campaign for Education, that also featured World Bank president Robert Zoellick, about the need to achieve universal education by 2015 -- a key UN pledge.

"I think he (Brown) is a man with wonderful intentions and who is also very pro-active and who has been working very hard for this issue of education," the singer -- also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador -- told reporters.

"I applaud his work and applaud the fact that he is brave enough to talk to celebrities like me... I think we are all on the same boat trying to get to the same shore, and trying to provide education for all children in the world."

Brown -- who cuts a dour, serious figure in public -- has previously said he shuns the world of celebrity but now appears to have changed his tune amid a 16-year poll slump and growing dissent among colleagues over his tax reforms.

In recent weeks he has welcomed Hollywood star George Clooney to number 10 Downing Street to talk about Darfur and appeared on a US talent show American idol to pledge Britain's commitment to eradicating malaria.

Brown was unrepentant after the conference call.

"I'll work with everybody who is trying to make a reality of education for every child in the world and Shakira has been a long-standing supporter of the Global Campaign for Education," he said.

"Where others are prepared to help and support whether it be in Darfur or tackling malaria, I am ready to work with them.

"I think the most important thing that all those people who are household names would say is that their role is to galvanise public opinion throughout the world."

Via afp