Like Indiana Jones, I don't like snakes - though that might lead some to ask why I'm in politics.

National security is the first duty of government but we are also committed to reversing the substantial erosion of civil liberties.

I think there is a break down of trust generally, between people and politicians. I think that's come about for a whole variety of reasons.

Well can I just make a point about the numbers because people talk a lot about police numbers as if police numbers are the holy grail. But actually what matters is what those police are doing. It's about how those police are deployed.

As I say the UK's position on the issue of torture and the use of torture has not changed. Our policy is the same as it has been. We condemn torture.

It [selecting as many candidates as possible] is also advantageous for the [Conservative] Party because it helps us to build a base in those areas where we have not in, recent times, been as active as we'd have liked. It means that opposing parties don't get a free run but are challenged to prove themselves to voters.

I'm not willing to risk more terrorist plots succeeding and more paedophiles going free.