You have to make the compromise: resign, stay out of the government, and you can say what you like… but no one has to do anything about it. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
I am extremely honoured to be the Defence Secretary, and I would not do the job if I did not think that I could make a useful contribution in the role. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
As the Chief of the Defence Staff says, you don’t defend on the goal line. Defending the interests of the U.K. means tackling threats early and at source, and that means intervening overseas. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
If I had another life, that’s what I’d be – a regimental sergeant major or a similar rank. That’s where the spirit of the armed forces is. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
It’s true that people were told facial hair was not appreciated by the British public, but I just decided to keep the moustache. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
I’ll tell you what I do have: I have a good feel for ordinary people, for politics, and those are my strengths. I understand, I hope instinctively, where many of our Armed Forces come from. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
I have strengths, and I have weaknesses. I don’t pretend to be able to write a great thesis or doctorate – I have no pretensions in that direction. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
I have always had a keen interest in defence and military history and read more on this subject than anything else. Bob Ainsworth Read Quote
