David Blunkett Quotes (43 Quotes)


    We've all been very vigilant to ensure that those who were likely to use this war as an opportunity were kept under surveillance.

    So good on them. And whether it is a year or two years, it actually will be a sensible process of combining the talents that we have.

    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.

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

    The people we are dealing with are sophisticated, well organized and entirely ruthless, but they are also in a position to exploit the very freedoms we seek to protect.


    None of us believe countering terrorism is about party politics

    Sir John was an excellent Commissioner and I was proud he invited me to speak at a number of his farewells.

    the state has a role in helping people through rapid economic change. But not as a permanent safety net.

    I may be blind, but I can see how inspiring it is to be me.

    We obviously have the right to go back to Parliament and to say 'We, the sovereign body who are elected, are the only ones in the end who are answerable for the protection of security and stability in our country,'

    And we think that our citizens and yours would be very angry if they thought that we hadn't taken every possible step for prevention and then for joint action in the likelihood of those who threaten our lives and our well- being, taking action at the same time.

    I have always been honest about my recollection of events.

    David is supposed to be a sad, lonely, old, blind bastard. David's not meant to have fun or go to nice restaurants or - heaven forbid - have sex.

    We've known all along that the cells that are placed across the world, those who fund those cells believe that we are the enemy.

    I believe that, if the parole board decide it's necessary, such offenders should stay behind bars for the whole of their sentence and then be closely supervised for years after their release.

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

    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.

    I encouraged Tony to serve out as much of this term as he can as PM. I think that's what he'll do, and I hope he'll want me to do this job through that period. I think he will.

    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.

    What I am clear about is that I have made a mistake, ... I thought there was going to be increasing damage done to the government by me.

    My view is that heads should roll. There are too many people in the system who simply don't care. I fully support Charles Clarke in getting to the bottom of this.

    I regret the time and resources needed to undertake this but... it is right to lay this accusation to rest.

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

    I'm guilty of a mistake and I'm paying the price of it,

    I can assure the traveling public that if we believed it was not safe for them to travel or fly we would say so,

    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.

    We all accept that there is a compelling need for more effective powers to exclude and remove suspected terrorists from our country,

    I have built my reputation on honesty, I have sometimes been too honest.

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

    If anyone... seriously believes that a further exponential rise in the prison population for short-term prisoners and first-time offenders is the way to ensure our safety then they are sorely deluded.

    I want to go back to a time when I was very young, when you expected the police to be part of the community and the community to be part of policing.

    We rightly pride ourselves on the safe haven we offer to those genuinely fleeing terror. But our moral obligation and love of freedom does not extend to offering hospitality to terrorists.

    There has been a real change, we've done a good job in the last two years on intelligence. There are 2,700 who will not be here who are often the ringleaders,

    But any perception of this application being speeded up requires me to take responsibility.

    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!

    It's to do with people who are prepared to resort to violence and self-destruction in a way which can take us absolutely nowhere,

    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.

    respecting our fundamental civil liberties and ensuring that they are not exploited.

    The economy of our country, international trade and the free transport of people would have all been completely disrupted. ... This would have been a catastrophic thing to have done.

    They should go back home and re-create their countries which we have freed from tyranny, whether it is Kosovo or now Afghanistan. I have no sympathy whatsoever with young men in their twenties who do not.

    It would give (Conservative leader) David Cameron a boost and allow him to continue his effort to try to occupy our territory.


    I have never tried to fiddle my role as leader of the city of Sheffield, as an MP or as a minister.


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