However much I dislike the idea of abortion, you should not criminalize a woman who, in very difficult circumstances, makes that choice.

People know where I stand in the Labour party and what I believe in.

Sometimes it is better to lose and do the right thing than to win and do the wrong thing.

There are two outstanding issues in democratic politics these days. One is the relationship with the media, which is now 24/7, and operates with a completely different intensity than even 15 or 20 years ago. How do we have a proper conversation between leaders and country when it's moderated sometimes in a very partisan and inflammatory way? And the second thing is the effectiveness of our democracy. How do we get the right gene and talent pool in politics?

The trouble is nowadays that parts of the media operate in a very partisan way. There's no point in complaining about it, that's the way it is. But let's be clear, a lot of it is driven by the views of a pretty small number of people, rather than a normal standard of journalism.

The 21st century will not be about the battle between capitalism and socialism but between the forces of progress and the forces of conservatism.

You know, one of the things I've learnt since coming out of office is how much easier it is to give the advice than take the decision. I mean, you know, it's tough.