The first requirement of politics is not intellect or stamina but patience. Politics is a very long run game and the tortoise will usually beat the hare.

Whether you agree with me, disagree with me, like me or loathe me, don't bind my hands when I am negotiating on behalf of the British people.

"Government gets things right" does not encourage sales. "Government makes another blunder" does encourage sales, so there's a commercial imperative that pushes sensationalism.

Some people eat eggs, I wear them.

[on Queen Mother] Our country is the richer for her life and the poorer at her death.

Life is full of surprises.

I want Britain to punch its weight in the European Community.