I felt really compromised. I think legal marriage is unnecessary and I would not have formalised the relationship [with husband Peter Davis] except for going into Parliament. I have always railed against it privately.

If you neglect those who are currently poor and stable, you may create more poor and unstable people. There has been a tremendous concentration of donor interest in countries that are seen as particularly fragile - but it becomes harder to mobilise money for sub-Saharan, plain poor countries.

No country will reach its full potential if its female citizens do not enjoy full equality.

I have no beliefs of a religious kind.

I only take on roles that I'm passionate about. Life is too short to do things that you're not happy with.

I deeply detest social distinction and snobbery, and in that lies my strong aversion to titular honours.

Any serious shift towards more sustainable societies has to include gender equality.