I wrote in the book very specifically what I wanted to write about, period, and left it at.

The better the information it has, the better democracy works. Silence and secrecy are never good for it.

I was sent to a nice Church of England girls' school and at that time, after university, a woman was expected to become a teacher, a nurse or a missionary - prior to marriage.

I have nothing to do with the selection of stories. I'm the reporter.

No two wars are identical.

If I'm in danger then it's usually my fault and it's up to me to get myself out of it. I am not in it just to get an adrenalin rush. No way!

It wasn't glamorous in my day. In the regions, reporters were seen as such low life that they didn't merit their name in the Radio Times. Now people are interested in being famous. I never gave it a thought.