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The problem of how we finance the welfare state should not obscure a separate issue: if each person thinks he has an inalienable right to welfare, no matter what happens to the world, that's not equity, it's just creating a society where you can't ask anything of people.

There must not be favoured treatment for those occupying a position of public responsibility.

The law serves of nought else in these days but for to do wrong, for nothing is spread almost but false matters by color of the law for reward, dread and favor and so no remedy is had in the Court of Equity in any way.

You cannot tackle Britain's debts without tackling the unreformed welfare system.

There's a lot of freedom in having nothing. You don't have responsibility. You have nobody to answer to. But I'd rather deal without the poverty.

Without growth we can't pay down our debt, and without growth there's no money for welfare.

I don't believe in welfare.

Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence.

We cannot afford to leave the poor behind.

Money can't buy poverty.