But in the first Gulf war the United Kingdom was not under any threat from Iraq, and is still less so in the second one. Then there is no justification for obstructing freedom of information, particularly as nations have a right to know what their soldiers are being used for.

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

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's totally mistaken to suppose that an armed escort is going to give a journalist any protection - on the contrary, journalists who turn up surrounded by armed personnel are just turning themselves into targets and in even worse danger.

I was timid and frightened as a child. Yours truly did not shin up mountains or do any other kind of adventurous stuff.

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

I don't want to be involved in endless media gossip.