Welcome to our curated collection of quotes by Kenneth Clarke, a prominent British politician known for his long and distinguished career in government and public service. Kenneth Clarke, often referred to as Ken Clarke, has left an indelible mark on British politics with his wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his principles. Throughout his tenure as a Member of Parliament and his various ministerial roles, Clarke has offered insightful commentary on a wide range of topics, from economic policy to international affairs, earning him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.
As a seasoned statesman and respected figure within the Conservative Party, Kenneth Clarke’s perspectives on governance, leadership, and the challenges facing modern society are both insightful and thought-provoking. Whether discussing the intricacies of fiscal policy or the importance of diplomacy in a rapidly changing world, Clarke’s words carry weight and significance, reflecting his deep understanding of political dynamics and his commitment to the public good. Explore the quotes below to gain a deeper appreciation for Kenneth Clarke’s perspective on key issues and
Without legal aid, and the dedicated lawyers who deliver it, our system of justice would quite simply collapse. Kenneth Clarke
However, we do not lack anti-terrorist laws. I do not believe that the recent London bombs were the result of any deficiencies in our legal system. Kenneth Clarke
My sense is that the majority of Conservatives share my reservations about how we got into Iraq. Kenneth Clarke
Energetic action on debt would make a radical difference to the prospects of many of the poorest countries in the world, at no practical cost to creditor countries. Kenneth Clarke
Locking people up without reducing the risk of them committing new crimes against new victims the minute they get out does not make for intelligent sentencing. Kenneth Clarke
I don’t think at my age… you can start ruling people out in politics. Kenneth Clarke
No country anywhere in the world allows material that genuinely puts national security at risk into the public domain, and that includes a courtroom. Kenneth Clarke
Margaret Thatcher and John Major knew that bluff and bravado doesn’t work in Brussels. Kenneth Clarke
Nigel Farage has persuaded too many people that we have lost control of our borders. Kenneth Clarke
Referendums are designed to get round parliamentary government, and people only demand referendums when they think they can’t get a majority in parliament. Mussolini was the most brilliant practitioner of referendums. Kenneth Clarke
Whether we remain in the European Union will determine Britain’s future role in the world and the comparative success of our economy for our children and grandchildren. Kenneth Clarke
The Blair government has lowered the standing of politics and politicians in our country. Kenneth Clarke
It would be immoral to walk away from the consequences of our actions, leaving behind anarchy and civil war in Iraq. Kenneth Clarke
Britain’s political voice depends on our role as a leading and influential member of the E.U. If we leave, we are of less value to our allies and of less concern to our enemies. We need the strongest voice we can get in the dangerous modern world. Kenneth Clarke
Margaret was the best prime minister of my lifetime. Mythology has turned Thatcher into someone regarded either as a goddess by her supporters or an evil witch by her opponents. Kenneth Clarke
I am a firm believer in open justice, and an opponent of closed justice in any normal circumstances. But I am also an opponent of legal purism, and have no time for institutionalised mythmaking – whether from the authoritarian right or the liberal left. Kenneth Clarke
Trade deals are not the vehicle for raising or lowering standards of protection for consumers, the environment, workers or anyone else. Regulations are made by governments and parliaments. Kenneth Clarke
If the prime minister really believes it, he must be the only person left who thinks that the recent bombs in London had no connection at all with his policy in Iraq. Kenneth Clarke
Unless and until I can see an opportunity of actually reversing Brexit and restoring a stable membership of the European Union, then in the real world I concentrate on minimising the damage. Kenneth Clarke
I am sorry to upset my colleagues by saying we wasted four years in opposition, but if you do get so badly defeated as a party you do have to face up to some painful facts and you do have to change. Kenneth Clarke
Of course I’d have loved to be Prime Minister. But I’m not nursing a grievance. Kenneth Clarke
I am not a creature of giant business and I think that small- and medium-sized businesses will derive the most benefit from the removal of bureaucratic obstacles to trade. Kenneth Clarke
Having everybody voting to avoid a ?25 fine is no way to solve public apathy. Kenneth Clarke
Thatcher was the best politician I have ever witnessed. Kenneth Clarke
Access to justice is a fundamental part of a properly functioning democracy. Kenneth Clarke
The political health of Britain has deteriorated very sharply. The Conservative Party must do something about it. I am the man to do it. Kenneth Clarke
For those who want out, Brexit remains an end in itself, regardless of what is in the interest of our society, in terms of prosperity, security and influence on the wider world stage. Kenneth Clarke
When E.U. governments are able to agree on political and economic policies, they will remain a superpower to influence the Americans, the Russians, Indians and Chinese over the coming decades. Britain on its own would resume the decline which continued through most of the 20th century. Kenneth Clarke
I’m notorious for only using my mobile phone for outgoing calls: nobody knows my London number and I certainly don’t do anything online. Kenneth Clarke
I am a stalwart supporter of the British judiciary who are the best in the world. Kenneth Clarke
Jonathan Hill is an old friend of mine; I have worked with him for many years and know him to be a man of outstanding ability who has never sought a public profile. Kenneth Clarke
I cannot remember a time in opposition – I am talking about the last four years – when we have done less work on policy and more on slogans. But because of my European views I wasn’t allowed to participate. Kenneth Clarke
I am getting frustrated by the fact that we have been out of office for eight years. I desperately want to lead the Conservative Party to make quicker progress back into power. Kenneth Clarke
Politicians should inspire you to vote, they should appeal to people. Kenneth Clarke
All political careers are a rollercoaster. Kenneth Clarke
Only an ideologue deals with the world as he would wish it to be, as opposed to the world as it is. Kenneth Clarke
My entire political career has been based on building up Britain’s political standing and economic prosperity through our membership of the E.U. and the European project. Kenneth Clarke