Gavin Williamson

“As the dangers our nation faces become ever more intense and ever more complex, whether from aggressive states such as Russia, from terrorism or from cyber warfare, it's vital for us to keep our brave men and women at the top of their game both physically and mentally.”

“Our teachers are incredibly hardworking and dedicated professionals. Having to deal with unruly pupils and disruption on a daily basis adds to their workload and stress, and is driving many from the profession they love.”

“Britain has always been at the forefront of global affairs - upholding British values of democracy, freedom, and justice, as well as bringing peace, security, and salvation to millions.”

“Astonishingly, I am only the second Education Secretary to have gone to a comprehensive but I can tell you, it doesn't matter what kind of school you go to, getting your GCSE results is a big deal.”

“Failing to deliver Brexit risks fracturing the Conservative Party.”

“Coming from a Labour-voting family, I grew up with a clear understanding of the tribal nature of Labour politics.”

“If the coronavirus has taught us one thing, it's that we are so much stronger when we work together.”

“My view was that if you were the Secretary of State for Education, you had to be constantly arguing for the need for children to get the very best education. You had to put children first in all your decision-making.”

“We sometimes forget how fortunate we are - the excellence of our higher education system being a good example.”

“After college, the world of work appealed but in the end the idea of leaving home and the excitement of university won out.”

“My overriding concern was that children only get one shot at education, so I felt it was the right thing to do to consistently put that argument forward - but obviously, in politics you don't always win the argument.”

“In Poland, I've met inspirational soldiers - not simply supporting and leading Nato missions in Eastern Europe but underpinning our security at home.”

“I want to deliver the best education for every child.”

“Ill-discipline doesn't just hold back the brightest pupils, but those most in need of attention, and those who are most likely to fall behind in school when their education is disrupted.”

“Brexit must happen.”

“I remember walking up to those college doors and going in to my college at sixth form and getting the envelope and opening up that envelope and seeing the grades on there and feeling just absolute delight as the sudden realisation that actually all my dreams of that next step of doing social science at Bradford University opened up.”

“Well I just reckon we've got the very best people in this country and we've obviously got the best medical regulators. Much better than the French have, much better than the Belgians have, much better than the Americans have. That doesn't surprise me at all because we're a much better country than every single one of them, aren't we.”

“Discos and dinner jackets do not go together.”

“There's broad consensus from those working in education and with young people that we must keep schools open.”

“Not every pupil has a laptop and not every family has Internet access.”