I do know what it's like to worry about bills, I do know what it's like to worry about even finding a child-minder, never mind paying them.

Each day more coalition MPs in seats outside the South East come out against George Osborne's regional pay cut plans, and Vince Cable now claims they are dead.

I cherish the creation of public space and services, especially health, housing and the comprehensive education system which dared to give so many of us ideas 'above our station.'

I am a feminist and I have no problems being called that.

I suspect there are people in all walks of life who need to be dragged into the 21st century in terms of attitudes towards women.

The UK has a poor investment record. According to IMF data, we have come seventh out of the top seven industrialised countries since 1999.

I'd be happy to have regular face-to-face meetings at Downing Street with David Cameron to argue the case for alternative economic policies.

When I look at my daughter, who's 24, she is much more confident than I ever was and her expectations are higher. But I worry that there is a backlash brewing against progress on equality.

Ordinary people who have lots of good ideas want more than a suggestion box, and they need a union to represent that thinking.

I came from a family where joining a union was the expected thing to do. I've always believed that the relationship between an employer and an individual worker is fundamentally unequal.

I want a society that provides decent jobs for those who can work and decent security for those can't.

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it

Talking to God should be part of every aspect of life, in times of peace as well as in every battle.

Built on the foundation of concentration is the third aspect of the Buddha’s path of awakening: clarity of vision and the development of wisdom.

I kid around a lot, but pranks are not my best strength!

Bugs Bunny is my muse.

Being on TV and getting everything paid for are the two reasons to do it with us instead of the court of law.

After World War II, the major estates really did collapse.

Man mind yoursel is the first commandment.

Those times in life when you're terrified are the mastery times.

For me, true luxury can be caviar or a day with no meetings, no appointments and no schedule.