“The most important innovators often don't need any technologies - just imagination and acute sensitivity to people's needs.”

“So is civil society prepared for the future? Probably not. Most organisations have to live hand to mouth, juggling short-term funding and perpetual minor crises. Even the bigger ones rarely get much time to stand back and look at the bigger picture. Many are on a treadmill chasing after contracts and new funding.”

“Britain is rich in radicalism, and anyone who says that our society has drifted into fatalism and apathy should get out more.”

“On the environment and climate change, I suspect that future generations will think there was too much timidity, too much fear of upsetting business. Basically, New Labour was very nervous about regulating business, or requiring it to do anything, even when there was a very clear social or environmental case for doing so.”

“One effect of an individualistic culture that's poor at instilling mutual respect is that people jump more quickly to anger or violence.”

“Democracy isn't solely about polite conversations in parliaments. It needs to be continually refreshed with raw passions, anger and ideals.”

“The most important innovators often don't need any technologies - just imagination and acute sensitivity to people's needs.”

“Huge sums are invested globally in medical research and development - and with good reason.”

“In Britain, polls show large majorities in favour of mansion taxes and higher taxes on the finance sector.”

“There is incredible potential for digital technology in and beyond the classroom, but it is vital to rethink how learning is organised if we are to reap the rewards.”

“The wrongful arrest of tens of thousands of British Muslims after the September 11 attacks can be explained by the very poor intelligence the police had, and, just possibly, excused by the fact that a terrorist action in Britain linked to British Muslims would have been hugely damaging.”