QUOTES of the week

‘We’re in danger of becoming a health service with a country attached.’

Tory MP Marcus Fysh after the Prime Minister outlined a £12billion a year tax grab to tackle the NHS backlog and social care.

‘I accept that this breaks a manifesto commitment, which is not something I do lightly, but a global pandemic was in no one’s manifesto.’

Boris Johnson gives his reason for the new levy.

‘It’s more than irritating. It’s infuriating actually.’ Dame Jenni Murray after discovering that Emma Barnett, her successor on Woman’s Hour, is paid £250,000. Jenni earned £100,000 for the same role.

‘Electric girl, you made us.’

Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle pays tribute to bandmate Sarah Harding after her death from breast cancer aged 39.

‘Accent could have been a giveaway.’ Marcus Rashford jokes after Gavin Williamson claimed to have met the Manchester-born star on Zoom – in fact it was Londoner Maro Itoje, the England rugby player.

‘Every day I keep my show as a white, middleclass male is a bonus.’ Broadcaster Robert Peston, as TV executives battle to increase diversity on screen.

‘Divorce is one thing but my heart is my oath, my obligation.’

The Duchess of York stands by Prince Andrew, just days before a civil suit against him alleging sexual assault will be heard in New York.

‘My wife Nora has Alzheimer’s but she is light years ahead of that fella.’

Former Sex Pistols star Johnny Rotten rants against US President Joe Biden.

‘If we are going to be spending our whole lives scared stiff of Covid, then the economy will go down the plughole.’ Ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith as Civil Service chiefs delay plans to get staff to return to their offices.