David Blunkett Government Quotations

Despite being in public life, I value my own privacy immensely and would be as concerned as anyone else if I thought my mobile phone records could be easily available to officials across government.

I was affected by the harshness of government, the reality of 16-hour days, and the pressures of modern communications.

Let's not allow the voice of the people to be overwhelmed by the siren song of those who opposed regulation, who demanded that government should stand aside and let finance and business run the show.

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.

We need a government which, yes, guarantees basic standards in public services, but which also steps in to protect people's wellbeing as they take part in our consumer democracy - particularly online.

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.

The government must give men and women without power a real say over what happens to them, and the means of engaging in a participative, invigorated and living democracy.

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

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

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.