When you've spent half your political life dealing with humdrum issues like the environment, it's exciting to have a real crisis on your hands.

Don't Cry For Me, Argentina

Today I have lost one of my dearest friends, England one of her greatest men. Keith Joseph understood that it was necessary to win again the intellectual argument for freedom, and that to do this we must start from first principles. He was in many ways an unlikely revolutionary. For all his towering intellect, he was deeply humble. He spoke out boldly, however hostile the audience. Yet he hated to give offence. Above all, his integrity shone out in everything he said and did. His best memorial lies in the younger generations of politicians whom he inspired. But for me he is irreplaceable.

To be free is better than to be unfree – always. Any politician who suggests the opposite should be treated as suspect.

Please don't use the word tough. People might get the impression that I don't care. And I do care, very deeply. Resilient, I think.

If we open our hearts to God, He has promised to work within us.

It is always important in matters of high politics to know what you do not know. Those who think they know, but are mistaken, and act upon their mistakes, are the most dangerous people to have in charge.