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

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

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.

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

For any new leader of any party at any given time it takes time if you are not in government to establish yourself.

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