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

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

I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else.

Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.

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

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

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.