The appalling crackdown that we witnessed in Hama and other Syrian cities on 30 and 31 July only erode the regime's legitimacy and increase resentment. In the absence of an end to the senseless violence and a genuine process of political reform, we will continue to pursue further EU sanctions.

I've always been opposed myself to prisoners having the vote.

On the question of taking credit for what goes right and blame for what goes wrong - having led the Conservative party for four years, I have never heard of this notion before.

Gordon Brown promised to abolish boom and bust. He has kept half his promise.

You can gain in your effectiveness as a politician from a wide acquaintance with the world and from a degree of independence that having some outside interests gives.

I described the euro as a burning building with no exits and so it has proved for some of the countries in it.

Yes, I've never inherited a penny!