I do think there is a great deal of caricature around the House of Commons. It is just that kind of place.

I couldn't imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence - the concept, I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel.

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.

I do think there is a great deal of caricature around the House of Commons. It is just that kind of place.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

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.