I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short

Befriending provides a valuable lifeline to many people who feel isolated in their communities often as a result of ill health or poverty. I would like to thank all those who volunteer as befrienders and I hope that your numbers will increase in coming years. Your kindness and hard work is, I know, very much appreciated by those you help.

The one thing we can all be sure about in politics is you are as well to expect the unexpected.

I believe that access to a university education should be based on the ability to learn, not what people can afford. I think there is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them.

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

There stands no contradiction between giving voice to legitimate anxiety and at the same time, as and when exchange of fire commences, looking to the rest of the country, as well as all of us in the House, to give full moral support to our forces.

My health is good and it's up to me to keep it that way.