Progressive politics is not something to be bolted on to another cause.

I got a very strong sense from my mother, in particular, that we are all equal in the sight of God.

It's true across the U.K. that those who had least to do with causing the economic crisis are carrying the heaviest burden. That's unacceptable.

Scotland is my country, the nation that shaped me, that taught me my values. A nation whose achievements inspired and inspire me, a community whose failings drive me - drive my overwhelming desire to fight for social justice and equality.

My working life has always been wrapped up in doing my job to the best of my abilities and doing the best for my family. It is not a contest between the two.

Maybe I was just born to argue with men.

The government don't want to talk about the consequences of the choices they make. They pretend there aren't any consequences.