I do believe that political arrangements which are based upon violence, intimidation and theft will eventually break down - and will deserve to do so.

We simply cannot delegate the exercise of mercy and generosity to others.

If you lead a country like Britain, a strong country, a country which has taken a lead in world affairs in good times and in bad, a country that is always reliable, then you have to have a touch of iron about you.

Citizenship should be based on those who have a close and real relationship with this country and its inhabitants.

As the former dissident Vladimir Bukovsky once remarked – referring to the Russian proverb to the effect that you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs – he had seen plenty of broken eggs, but never tasted any omelette.

Naturally, it is with some temerity that the pupil speaks before the master, because you know more about the Common Market than anybody.

Personal abuse is no substitute for policy. It signals panic.