My big toe alone is the size of Yorkshire.

Hard news really is hard. It sticks not in the craw but in the mind. It has an almost physical effect, causing fear, interest, laughter or shock.

The British happened to the rest of the world. Now the world happens to Britain.

One aspect of politics too little acknowledged is that besides being jolly serious and all that, it is also a hugely enjoyable game for boys.

My big toe alone is the size of Yorkshire.

The business of funding digging journalists is important to encourage. It cannot be replaced by bloggers who don't have access to politicians, who don't have easy access to official documents, who aren't able to buttonhole people in power.

Journalism is nine-tenths being in the right places at the right time.