In developing our industrial strategy for the period ahead, we have the benefit of much experience. Almost everything has been tried at least once

Change from below, the formulation of demands from the populace to end unacceptable injustice, supported by direct action, has played a far larger part in shaping British democracy than most constitutional lawyers, political commentators, historians or statesmen have ever cared to admit. Direct action in a democratic society is fundamentally an educational exercise.

The Tory party is the enemy of democracy.

I think to understand how the democratic process works is the most important thing, so people don't get frightened by it, and get put off, and give up.

I try not to make political arguments personal. It doesn't help and it switches a lot of people off. The real questions: Will we have peace? Will we have justice? Will we have pensions? Will we have free education? Will we have public services? .... those are the sort of things which interest me. I don't think that having a go at individuals really helps get your point across apart from anything else.

If I rescued a child from drowning, the press would no doubt headline the story: 'Benn grabs child

We are not just here to manage capitalism but to change society and to define its finer values.