I can hardly think of an occasion when I've got into a stand-up fight with any political opponent. I've got my views, people know what they are, they can agree or they can choose to disagree. I'm not going to waste time just rubbishing everybody else.

Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.

We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them.

Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of your conclusions.

Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable.

Paddy Ashdown is the only party leader who's a trained killer. Although, to be fair, Mrs Thatcher was self taught.

I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for locally and regionally elected politicians who understand best the needs of their areas. And far more say too for the dedicated staff at all levels in health and education.