I believe that I'm entitled to regard my pre-political life as off-limits in terms of what can be looked at and judged.

For example at the moment there is a compulsory requirement to buy an annuity. That is something we would get rid of. It puts some people off saving.

What I'm interested in is Britain projecting itself abroad, and through that its values and the things it holds dear. And I don't think you do that by refusing to talk to the world's second-largest economy [China]. In fact, that is positively counter-productive in my view.

Well British pension funds have not been investing the savings of British people in British infrastructure.

Each time I come it's amazing to watch the development of this incredible country [China].

I see no real argument in Britain that is concerned that an Indian company owns our most successful car manufacturer or that the sewer system under London is being renewed in part by Chinese investment. There are the odd voices that express concern but they are very marginal and they are not being listened to by the British people.

A generous basic state pension is the least a civilized society should offer those who have worked hard and saved through their whole lives.