It is only the continuance of the war and the extraordinary conditions which it imposes and forces upon us all that justifies us in remaining together as a Parliament. I certainly could not take the responsibility of making far-reaching controversial changes which I am not convinced are directly needed for the war effort, without a Parliament refreshed by contact with the electorate.

I will begin by saying what everybody would like to ignore or forget but which must nevertheless be stated, namely that we have sustained a total and unmitigated defeat, and France has suffered even more than we have....the German dictator, instead of snatching the victuals from the table, has been content to have them served to him course by course.

If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.

I see a government completely out of control, and money is number one. Integrity isn't even on the map.

Religion and law try to escape from criticism, religion by saying that it is divine and law by showing that it is powerful.

We must be very careful not to assign this deliverance the attributes of a victory.