During my campaign, I had come across a small number of (mostly) young men, who had strongly racist views. They told me they would only vote for a party that was willing to get rid of black and coloured people from this country. What struck me as strange is that they weren't bothered about the thousands of white Europeans arriving from Central and Eastern Europe.

I can't possibly put myself in his [Tony Blair's] shoes and be inside his head but what I can say is that the security of the nation is the first duty of any government but at the same time for me going to war would always be the last resort. I would exhaust all other opportunities first.

I think we would look at other possibilities that would deliver further passenger capacity, that would deliver further infrastructure to the north of England but would be better value for taxpayers.

If you are asking me, am I going to be sort of saying 'oh well 'God's told me to do this and do that' well of course that's not the case.

I think part of the whole agenda of being open for business is about making sure that people can get here and also get there.

The great news is we have an all-female shortlist with no positive discrimination or anything, isn't that fantastic?

I say to all who are legally here, that you will be welcome to stay.