It seems to me that the way to remove people's cynicism is, when asked a straight question, to give a straight answer.

It's stupid to have a simple-minded view.

The promise of Western capitalism of ever rising rates of pay has turned out to be the cheque that bounced

At work people are expected to be at the beck and call of employers all the time. You have blackberries and other things, and they just don't leave you alone. People have less time just to drop into an art gallery.

I've always felt myself to be an outsider. I've always felt awkward.

[Cycling] is easily the quickest way around central London, faster than bus, Tube or taxi. You can predict precisely how long every journey will take, regardless of traffic jams, Tube strikes or leaves on the line. It provides excellent exercise. It does not pollute the atmosphere. It does not clog up the streets.

Has there ever been a visitor to Ludlow who hasn't wished they lived there?