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The Great Gatsby
Hamlet

David Blunkett Quotes

Being a Labour home secretary in the 21st century means fighting a constant battle against both extreme Right and Left.

– David Blunkett

We must draw on our early roots and remind people why the Labour party was created and who it sought to represent. We have never been a sectional party promoting self-interest, but instead a force for engaging self-reliance and self-determination.

– David Blunkett

When I’m in London I do have the convenience of being close to St James Park which is also good for me because it gives me an excuse to get out and get some much needed exercise!

– David Blunkett

I did not in late November start the plethora of linking my private life with public events again.

– David Blunkett

I’m in favour of a sensible development of response units and their deployment in any circumstance where there may be a risk to the officers themselves or the neighbourhood they’re in. I’m not in favour of a blanket arming of the police.

– David Blunkett

I said it’s impossible to have an amnesty without ID cards and a clean database, because you firstly don’t have any incentives for people to actually come up front and register, and make themselves available, and secondly you have no means of tracking them.

– David Blunkett

I am not a parliamentarian. I am a politician. Some MPs leave and are itching to get back. I don’t feel that. This is just a work environment.

– David Blunkett

My job as Labour Home Secretary is to ensure people are prepared to listen to us when we take on our opponents across the political spectrum.

– David Blunkett

Where asylum is used as a route to economic migration, it can cause deep resentment in the host community.

– David Blunkett

To make sense of a world in which rapid change and globalisation create genuine insecurity, we need benchmarks by which we can judge our actions and their long-term impact.

– David Blunkett

I love the walk although my security team weren’t too sure to begin with but I was anxious to be able to lead a near normal life. Whilst walking I do get the chance to meet people and keep in touch.

– David Blunkett

The government wants to be able to attack extremism and hatred wherever it occurs.

– David Blunkett

I am totally in favour of reform – but it must be reform that changes the nature of British politics, not simply the makeup or operation of parliament.

– David Blunkett

I’ve had a guide dog since 1969. Not the same one, of course: I’ve had five.

– David Blunkett

I’m as keen as the next person to preserve the right to free speech.

– David Blunkett

I’ve been fortunate when in government to have a car at my disposal, which takes away the nightmare of getting a taxi.

– David Blunkett

I don’t think anyone can say I have said one thing in public and done another in private.

– David Blunkett

Back in 2003, when I was home secretary, I introduced the victim surcharge on offenders to substantially expand the support available and, I hoped, the protection of witnesses who were brave enough to come forward.

– David Blunkett

Strengthening our identity is one way of reinforcing people’s confidence and sense of citizenship and well-being.

– David Blunkett

It would be dangerous territory if I wasn’t practising what I preach which is to always accept responsibility, always accept the consequences of your actions.

– David Blunkett

That is why with enormous regret I have tendered my resignation to the prime minister today.

– David Blunkett

Yes, it will go through the disciplines that all puppies go through including house training and puppy walking, then at twelve month old it the training becomes a lot more rigorous which has to be done carefully otherwise you are in danger of stressing the dog.

– David Blunkett

Children whose parents return to study do much better at school. Offenders who persist with studies are much less likely to reoffend. The national mental health strategy recognises the important role adult learning can play for people recovering from mental illness.

– David Blunkett

Faith in technocrats over politicians is not a trend from which Britain is exempt.

– David Blunkett

Judy, we think that since the 11th of September, 2001, we’ve faced a similar heightened threat level. And we’ve been enhancing both the exchange of intelligence and security information and the assessment of that information, because that’s the crucial element.

– David Blunkett

My integrity had been called into question; I was being called a liar, and I am not a liar. And I just think it is time that we stop viewing public figures as fair game.

– David Blunkett

Solidarity and interdependence, a sense of worth, a pride and hope in the future: these are positive gains for those who believe in progressive politics and the beneficial role of government, rather than a detriment.

– David Blunkett

When I first came into parliament, there was, on average, a by-election every three months – due not to MPs bailing out, but because of the death rate.

– David Blunkett

In Sheffield, we need support from the community and for the community. We need integration with no loss of heritage, and a clear appreciation of what is and is not acceptable.

– David Blunkett

If I pleaded guilty to a mistake while I was home secretary, it wasn’t that I didn’t get tough – my God, I put immigration and security officials on French soil for the first time.

– David Blunkett

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