There are hard choices to be made in balancing the country's security and an individual's liberties. But it is a choice that has to be faced.

I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

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.

I think that former leaders are best seen occasionally and not too often heard - particularly on the subject of their successors!

My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.

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.

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