I'm never going to take the view that I should say whatever I need to say in order to achieve something. Because that implies a level of dishonesty.

The market is a brilliant system for the exchange of goods and services, but it doesn't protect the environment unless it's regulated, it doesn't train your workforce unless it's regulated, and it doesn't give you the long-term investment you want.

I've always told the truth. I've often been wrong - but I've never knowingly lied. Not in public life. Because I don't see the need to.

I don't just denounce suicide bombers. I denounce those governments which use indiscriminate slaughter to advance their foreign policy.

I've always been a workaholic. I reckon, on average, I've had less than one day a year off in my working career.

I never came into life with any favours or privileges.

I think it's much more important to keep people in work than have pay rises.