Britain today is suffering from galloping obsolescence.

Democracy is not just voting every 5 years and watching 'Big Brother' in between and wondering why nothing happens. Democracy is what we do and say where we live and work

Mandela didn't end Apartheid in South Africa, the poor guy was in jail for 27 years, it was the African people that ended it but he was a symbol of their struggle. Or Gandhi in India, Gandhi was a great believer in non-violence and he was in and out of jail, but India became free. I think it's better to look at what people can do collectively and that's why it's so important to encourage them.

I believe the more difficult the circumstances, the more people will be inclined to trust those in charge at the moment.

The people who have sacrificed their view in order to get to the top have very often left no footprints in the sands of time.

If ever I left the House of Commons it would be because I wanted to spend more time on politics.

Having served in eleven Parliaments, it would be difficult to describe this as a maiden speech. It would be like Elizabeth Taylor appearing at her next wedding in a white gown.