It's not just politicians. Any spokesman for a vested interest is well schooled in how to say what it is they wish to say, which may bear no relation at all to what you've asked them.

[Cycling] is easily the quickest way around central London, faster than bus, Tube or taxi. You can predict precisely how long every journey will take, regardless of traffic jams, Tube strikes or leaves on the line. It provides excellent exercise. It does not pollute the atmosphere. It does not clog up the streets.

I got fed up of listening to bollocks

Scepticism is a necessary and vital part of the journalist's toolkit. But when scepticism becomes cynicism it can close off thought and block the search for truth.

Television bosses should stop insulting the public's intelligence by assuming we are all idiots.

I have not a clue why they sent it to me. As far as I know I have not got a reputation as a receiver of stolen goods.

The English approach to ideas is not to kill them, but to let them die of neglect.

I'm afraid I tend to be thinking about things and not paying sufficient attention to one's posture, deportment and general cast of face.

I've always felt myself to be an outsider. I've always felt awkward.

Ones teachers all belonged to that generation who were imperialists, and the whole narrative throughout my adolescence was of countries leaving the empire. I find it extraordinary that this purpose which drove how we viewed the world is now considered to be something that has no effect upon us.

The early bird may get the worm, but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.

I've always thought you have to live life looking forwards, not backwards. I've had no interest at all in who my ancestors are.