My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.

Politicians are good at saying how Government must do more, but we must also think carefully about where Government should do less.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

The quicker we get rid of the lobby system the better for all of us. I don't think in this day and age it is tenable to have these nods and winks, and on-the-record and off-the-record briefings.

There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.

Actually, I think it's quite sensible not to take yourself too seriously.

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.