All war represents a failure of diplomacy.

In the end, the tragedy of Harold Wilson was that you couldn't believe a word he said

We used to have a War Office, but now we have a Ministry of Defence, nuclear bombs are now described as deterrents, innocent civilians killed in war are now described as collateral damage and military incompetence leading to US bombers killing British soldiers is cosily described as friendly fire. Those who are in favour of peace are described as mavericks and troublemakers, whereas the real militants are those who want the war.

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 always follows the same pattern. If you come up with something new they try and put you off.If that doesn't work they call you stark raving bonkers.If that doesn't work they lock you up like the suffragettes.Then, after a pause, the change happensand you can't find anyone that doesn't claim to have been fighting for it with you.

The House of Lords is the British Outer Mongolia for retired politicians.

I think very often the boat-rockers turn out to be the people who are building the craft