If the Queen can reject the advice of a minister on a little thing like a postage stamp, what would happen if she rejected the advice of the Prime Minister on a major matter? If the Crown personally can reject advice, then, of course, the whole democratic facade turns out to be false

I don't believe in the hereditary principle in the House of Lords. Imagine going to the dentist, sitting in the chair and he says, 'I'm not a dentist myself, but my father was a dentist and his father before him. Now, open wide!

I'm a democrat - I don't support Bush, I don't support Blair, I don't support Bin Laden.

I've got four lovely children, ten lovely grandchildren, and I left parliament to devote more time to politics, and I think that what is really going on in Britain is a growing sense of alienation. People don't feel anyone listens to them.

I have had the advantage of a radical Christian upbringing

It is tempting to deny, but if you deny you confirm what you won't deny.

My alternative to American superpower is the UN and I might add when China becomes the worlds greatest superpower you will need it too.