One of the jewels in the crown of Labour's time in office was the rescue of the National Health Service. As the Commonwealth Fund the London School of Economics and the Nuffield Foundation have all shown health reforms as well as additional investment were essential to improved outcomes especially for poorer patients.

Thankfully due to the United Kingdom and the commitment of the Westminster government we are able to ensure that money brought in whether it be from the City of London or from North Sea oil can be pooled and directed to wherever it is needed most. That is what being in the United Kingdom is all about.

I'm leaving because the weather is too good. I hate London when it's not raining.

The space and light up there in Norfolk is wonderfully peaceful. I find myself doing funny things like gardening and cooking which I rarely do in London.

And as I grew older I then auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London and they said well no we won't accept you because we haven't a clue - you know - of the future of a so-called 'deaf' musician. And I just couldn't quite accept that.

I came to live in Shepperton in 1960. I thought: the future isn't in the metropolitan areas of London. I want to go out to the new suburbs near the film studios. This was the England I wanted to write about because this was the new world that was emerging.

I think I would say 'The King's Speech' is surprisingly funny in fact the audiences in London Toronto LA New York commented there's more laughter in this film than in most comedies while it is also a moving tear-jerker with an uplifting ending.

I don't hate humanity and I'm not interested in people who do. Although it's funny actually some of my favorite writers really do. Like Martin Amis. My dirty secret. 'London Fields' is one of my favorite books ever. And it's indefensible! But he's so funny... I forgive him everything.

I believe that London is the most exciting food city in Europe.

If I am in London I like a quick get away to The Olde Bell in Hurley... It's nearby and no stress - great food and beautiful walks.