In a sense, what we do with the regional development agencies is to give them resources to look at the deficiencies in the economy in the regional areas, so they can address themselves to that.

I was the one that brought it in, but not only for the north-east, for every area so we can develop all the regional economies, lift up the national productivity, get greater wealth and share it more evenly.

Improving the quality of life for people of this country is perhaps the most important duty of Government

We believe the 36, nearly 40, billion pound discount given for a right to buy houses took a million houses out of the public housing sector which is desperately needed for rent.

My roots, my background and the way I act is working class, but it would be hypsocritical to say I'm anything else than middle class now.

It's moving in the right direction. It was in decline under the previous administration.

I have only been seeking to get them to the negotiating table and, thank God, that's where they are.