[Banks] have a clear obligation to help get this country off its addiction to debt because they sure as hell helped to get this country addicted to debt.

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

The British people think that if someone is disabled, then they should get all the care and support that we can offer.

I didn't come from a traditional Tory background; it was urban and metropolitan.

I'm not saying "job done" but I am actually pretty confident that Britain can be one of the biggest winners from these big global changes that are taking place and indeed become the richest of the major economies in the world in this coming generation.

Everyone in our society has had to make a contribution towards dealing with the debts.

Every day as Chancellor I see alerts telling me of risks around the world.