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

Innovation applied across the board of development is having a huge impact, and can have more. All sorts of technology can provide shortcuts, can overcome obstacles which once seemed insuperable.

I'm not into power for the sake of it.

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries on earth. Security issue or no security issue, there would need to be a focus on it.

In terms of protecting ourselves, the main issues are around how do we protect our borders [from illegal migrants and livestock and plant diseases], how do we protect our fisheries?

Never look back' is my philosophy.

It is a very small minority point of view and I think, through continuing to set the tone of tolerance, acceptance, and diversity, you just have to further marginalize such people. Hopefully one day nobody will think that way.