What is it that unites, on the left of British politics, George Orwell, Billy Bragg, Gordon Brown and myself? An understanding that identity and a sense of belonging need to be linked to our commitment to nationhood and a modern form of patriotism. David Blunkett belongbillybragg share on social
Politics is only worthwhile if you are doing what you believe, regardless of the slings and arrows. David Blunkett arrowpoliticsling Change image and share on social
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 amnestycardclean share on social
I am nothing if not a loyalist. After 46 years in the Labour party, I've grown weary of the cry: 'If only we had a new, shining, revamped leader, all would be well.' David Blunkett crygrowhave Change image and share on social
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 cardisposalfortunate Change image and share on social
Faith in technocrats over politicians is not a trend from which Britain is exempt. David Blunkett britainexemptfaith Change image and share on social
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 averagebaildeath Change image and share on social
We have a media that presents every politician as being as bad as the next. There is no distinguishing between one good idea or another; no explanation of why constitutional change should be uppermost in the minds of the people I represent. David Blunkett badchangeconstitutional share on social
Speaking for the nation as a whole entails understanding and feeling the pain, as well as understanding the aspiration of the different cultural, social and political make-up of the nation. David Blunkett aspirationculturalentail Change image and share on social
I'm convinced that quite a lot of young people, when they get in trouble with the law, it's a cry for help there. Because it's not that they go out to offend. It's that their behaviour is self-parading, it's the big 'I'. And sometimes that means they're really lacking in confidence. David Blunkett behaviourbigconfidence share on social
