Words of the week

I AM so pleased to be getting the Covid vaccine today and really proud that it is one that was invented in Oxford. – Brian Pinker, 82, on becoming the first person to receive the new OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine.

I’VE seen some U- turns in the last few weeks but this is the daddy of them all. – Baroness Betty Boothroyd, a former Speaker, on changes to the dosage, and use, of the Pfizer vaccine.

I DO not agree with Tony Blair on much but he has led the debate on vaccinations well. Put him in charge of the vaccine programme and let’s have a government of all the talents to end this unmitigated disaster. – Nigel Farage.

THE weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but I really do believe that we’re entering the last phase of the struggle. – Boris Johnson announces a new national lockdown.

I WISH you continued success in your important work as a friend, guide and advocate to women everywhere. – The Queen’s tribute to Woman’s Hour on the 75th anniversary of the Radio 4 show.

I’M greatly looking forward to getting to know you and doing this together, because I can’t do it without you. – Emma Barnett, who has succeeded Dame Jenni Murray as presenter of Woman’s Hour.

I AM left motivated to help get our sport to a place where it can ensure the players’ long- term safety. – Leeds Rhinos skipper Stevie Ward, 27, retires due to concussion injuries.

IT looks like we are an island inside society, everything is locked down except ourselves. – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the lockdown’s impact on top flight football.

WE weren’t behind those closed doors when things were going on. To say, ‘ Oh, it’s a drama’. I think it is playing with people’s lives. – Alan Titchmarsh on the Netflix series The Crown which is about the Royal family.

NOTWITHSTANDING the assault on liberty and livelihoods, why are the regulations pervaded by a pettifogging malice? – Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne challenges Boris Johnson over the new Covid lockdown.