I didn't come into politics to have to deal with the issue of clandestine entry, illegal working, or an asylum system that allows a free run for right-wing bigots. David Blunkett asylumbigotclandestine Change image and share on social
In government, you are pressed by the security agencies. They come to you with very good information, and they say, 'You need to do something.' So you do need the breath of scepticism, not cynicism, breathing on them. David Blunkett agencybreathbreathe 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
I did not in late November start the plethora of linking my private life with public events again. David Blunkett eventlatelife Change image and share on social
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 britishfavourmakeup Change image and share on social
I prefer a positive view of freedom, drawing on another tradition of political thinking that goes all the way back to the ancient Greek polis. David Blunkett ancientbackdraw Change image and share on social
At this very moment in time there will be people making, breaking relationships, regretting deeply what they've done, and causing hurt, but that is a fact of life, and if we weren't full of emotion, we'd be automatons, and I don't think people want us to be that. David Blunkett automatonbreakcause share on social
I'm a great aficionado of history. I was deeply affected by seeing the disintegration of any chance of democracy coping with fascism in the Weimar republic, where woolly-minded, well-meaning liberalism actually allowed the forces of darkness to use democracy, to exploit democracy, to overturn democracy. David Blunkett affectaficionadoallow share on social
We must look to an open, tolerant, inclusive England, which embraces the values of a Britain that still leads the world in terms of an open democracy, as well as an understanding of the needs for responsibilities and obligations to run alongside the affirmation of individual rights. David Blunkett affirmationalongsidebritain share on social
I grew up in one of the most deprived parts of Britain. I know the problems which inner-city children face. David Blunkett britainchildcity Change image and share on social