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Rishi Sunak

33 quotes

“I have friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper class, I have friends who are working-class...well, not working class.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From the BBC documentary series Middle Classes - Their Rise and Sprawl (23 March 2001), as cited in "Rishi Sunak suggests he doesn’t have ‘working class’ friends in resurfaced documentary" The Independent (9 July 2022)
“You are highly accountable. That's what I like about it. You are responsible for your investments and either they're good or they're bad ... There are nor many other people to blame, there's nowhere to hide.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Comments on the BBC's Political Thinking podcast. "The Rishi Sunak One" (11 October 2019). Quoted in "Rishi Sunak: the bit-part hedge fund partner now managing the economy" The Guardian (8 March 2020)
“And where the ECHR is an obstacle, I will tackle it. We voted to Leave [the EU] so that we could act as a sovereign nation. The ECHR cannot inhibit our ability to properly control our borders and we shouldn't let it. We need to inject a healthy dose of common sense into the system, and that is what my plan does.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As Chancellor, I funded the Government's Rwanda Policy because it is the right one, but it has to work. Crucially, we cannot waste large sums of taxpayers’ money on the policy only to fall at the first legal hurdle. I will make the policy work and will do whatever it takes to implement it and pursue additional similar partnerships.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Our asylum system is broken. This is my ten-point plan to fix it" The Telegraph (23 July 2022)
“I managed to start changing the funding formulas, to make sure areas like this are getting the funding they deserve because we inherited a bunch of formulas from Labour that shoved all the funding into deprived urban areas and that needed to be undone. I started the work of undoing that.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Leaked speech delivered in Tunbridge Wells, Kent (29 July 2022)
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Rishi Sunak promises ‘integrity and professionalism’ as he enters Tory race" The Independent (23 October 2022)
“The so-called 'golden era' is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform [in China].”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet (28 November 2022), as cited in "Rishi Sunak signals end of ‘golden era’ of relations between Britain and China", The Guardian 28 November 2022)
“Northern Ireland is in the unbelievably special position of having privileged access, not just to the U.K. home market … but also the European Union single market [...] That's like the world's most exciting economic zone!”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Rishi Sunak gives EU 'Windsor framework' deal the hard sell in Belfast", Politico (28 February 2023). The newly negotiated Windsor Framework altered the earlier Northern Ireland Protocol which had led the Democratic Uni…
“For too long, people have put up with the scourge of antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhoods. These are not minor crimes. They disrupt people's daily lives, hold businesses back and erode the sense of safety and community that brings people together. That's why I'm bringing forward a new plan to crack down on this behaviour once and for all – so that everyone can feel proud of where they live.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in Michael Savage '"Rishi Sunak outlines 'immediate justice' scheme to combat antisocial behaviour", The Observer (25 March 2023)
“We're living through a time at the moment where inflation is high. That's having an impact on household and families' bills. I don't want to add that, I want to make it easier. So yes, we're going to make progress towards net zero but we're going to do that in a proportionate and pragmatic way that doesn't unnecessarily give people more hassle and more costs in their lives – that's not what I'm interested in and prepared to do.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Comments on a visit to the West Midlands (24 July 2023), as cited in "Rishi Sunak signals he could abandon green policies that cost consumers", The Guardian (24 July 2023)
“[Asking if he would be visiting Scotland on the day of the interview using a private jet] I’ll be flying as I normally would and that is the most efficient use of my time. [...] But again I think actually that question brings to life a great debate here. If you or others think that the answer to climate change is getting people to ban everything that they're doing, to stop people flying, to stop people going on holiday, I think that's absolutely the wrong approach.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Rishi Sunak loses it with BBC Scotland presenter in 'car crash' interview" The National (Scotland, 31 July 2023)
“[On the government's policies on dealing with climate change] We should not take any lectures from anybody about our record. Our record is fantastic. It's better than everyone else's.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On LBC (2 August 2023), as cited in "PM Sunak says UK climate record 'better than everyone else's'", Reuters (2 August 2023)
“We will be bold. We will be radical. We will face resistance and we will meet it. We will give the country what it so sorely needs, and yet too often has been denied: a government prepared to make long-term decisions so that we can build a brighter future for everyone. Be in no doubt: it is time for a change — and we are it.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The party of the grocer's daughter and the pharmacist's son will always be the party of enterprise”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Thirty years of vested interests standing in the way of change. Thirty years of rhetorical ambition which achieves little more than a short-term headline. It doesn't have to be this way. It won’t be this way”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech at the Conservative Party conference (4 October 2023), as cited in "Rishi Sunak gambles premiership on pledge to break 'old consensus'", The Times (4 October 2023)
“We shouldn't be bullied into believing people can be any sex they want to be, they can't. A man is a man and a woman is a woman.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From his speech at the Conservative party conference (4 October 2023), as cited in "A man is a man and a woman is a woman, says Rishi Sunak", The Telegraph (4 October 2023)
“We must be honest about the fact that even once Parliament has changed the law here at home, we could still face challenges from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. I told Parliament earlier today that I'm prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships to remove the obstacles in our way. So let me tell everybody now, I will not allow a foreign court to block these flights. If the Strasbourg court chooses to intervene against the expressed wishes of Parliament, I am prepared to do what is necessary to get flights off. I will not take the easy way out.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech at a press conference (15 November 2023), as cited in "I will not allow a foreign court to block flights, says Sunak", The Telegraph (15 November 2023).
“I think it's incumbent on all of us, especially those elected to parliament, not to inflame our debates in a way that's harmful to others.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Lee's comments weren't acceptable, they were wrong. That's why he's had the whip suspended.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Words matter, especially in the current environment where tensions are running high. I think it's incumbent on all of us to choose them carefully.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an interview broadcast on BBC Radio York, as cited in "Lee Anderson's comments against Sadiq Khan 'weren't acceptable, they were wrong', says Rishi Sunak", Sky News (26 February 2024)
“The 80th anniversary of D-Day has been a profound moment to honour the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our values, our freedom and our democracy. This anniversary should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics. After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer - and I apologise.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From a social media post, as cited in Alix Culbertson "Rishi Sunak apologises for returning from D-Day ceremony early", Sky News (7 June 2024)
“[Asked to mention something he lacked while growing up] There'll be all sorts of things that I would've wanted as a kid that I couldn't have. Famously, Sky TV, so that was something that we never had growing up actually.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an interview for ITV (12 June 2024), as cited in "Rishi Sunak went without 'lots of things' including Sky TV as a child", The Guardian (12 June 2024)
“In our politics, we can argue vigorously, as the prime minister and I did over the past six weeks, but still respect each other, and whatever disputes we have in this parliament, I know that everyone in this house will not lose sight of the fact that we are all motivated by our desire to serve our constituents, our country, and advance the principles that we honourably believe in.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“On the Government benches life comes at you fast. Soon you might be fortunate enough to be tapped on the shoulder and be offered a junior ministerial role, then you’ll find yourself attending cabinet, then in the cabinet and then when the prime minister’s position becomes untenable you might end up being called to the highest office. And before you know it you have a bright future behind you and you’re left wondering whether you can credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It was frustrating everyone thought I would leave immediately, and a bit hurtful. We have such a strong emotional connection with Yorkshire, it was never a possibility. This will always be our home. The kids are planning birthdays, 21sts. We have a big marquee every year for a local party.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I get huge fulfilment from it. I love being part of the community and the connection I have with people here I think is special. It was always a tonic. We weren’t at Chequers as much as other prime ministers because we preferred to be here.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You look back and you have to remember you did the job to the best of your ability. I got some things right, some wrong, didn’t achieve what I would have liked to have done. I wish it hadn’t been a battlefield promotion and I could have made more progress on things I cared about, but it is what it is. I worked as hard as I could.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I did not communicate enough and in the right way. You get into this habit — you do an announcement for the evening news, post some things on social media and video, and your team briefs the press. Repeat. That wasn’t sufficient. I took it for granted that people would know why I was doing things. I assumed people thought I had the right motives. I spent too much time talking about the what and how and not enough about the why. I wasn’t the best version of myself as PM. But I am absolutely determined to make the best possible job of being a former PM.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Clearly, I miss the levers of power. I’m proud I brought in the smoking ban for the young. I miss playing cricket in the garden with the England cricket team and the staff. But not much else.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He Keir Starmer is very decent and I have huge personal regard for him — we were together just the other night and had a nice conversation. But we don’t talk about work stuff much. Where I have some sympathy, I think, is that it’s harder to get things done than one might imagine.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with the The Times, Rishi Sunak: ‘My friends don’t dare tell me if they vote Reform’, The Times (24 October 2025)
“Now, more than any time in our history, we will be judged by our capacity for compassion. Our ability to come through this, won’t just be down to what government or businesses do, but by the individual acts of kindness that we show each other. The small business who does everything they can not to lay off their staff. The student who does a shop for their elderly neighbour. The retired nurse who volunteers to cover some shifts in their local hospital. When this is over, and it will be over, we want to look back on this moment and remember the many small acts of kindness done by us and to us. We want to look back on this time and remember how we thought first of others and acted with decency. We want to look back on this time and remember how, in the face of a generation-defining moment, we undertook a collective national effort - and we stood together. It’s on all of us.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Statement on the Coronavirus as Chancellor (20 March 2020)
“I’d like to pay tribute to Liz Truss for her dedicated public service to the country. She has led with dignity and grace through a time of great change and under exceptionally difficult circumstances, both at home and abroad. I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. It is the greatest privilege of my life, to be able to serve the party I love and give back to the country I owe so much to. The United Kingdom is a great country, but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge. We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together. Because that is the only way we will overcome the challenges we face and build a better, more prosperous future for our children and our grandchildren. I pledge that I will serve you with integrity and humility. And I will work day in, day out to deliver for the British people.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Video : "Rishi Sunak addresses public after confirmation he's next UK prime minister", BBC News (24 October 2022)
“[On the Commons Privileges Committee investigation into Boris Johnson] This committee was established under the former Prime Minister. It commanded the confidence of the house [of Commons] at the time and I’m sure that they have done their work thoroughly and I respect them for that. This is a matter for the house rather than the government, that's an important distinction and that is why I wouldn't want to influence anyone in advance of that vote. It will be up to each and every individual MP to make a decision of what they want to do when the time comes, it's important the government doesn't get involved in that because it is a matter for parliament and members as individuals, not as members as government.”
Rishi Sunak (born 1980) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speaking on Good Morning Britain (19 June 2023), as cited in "Rishi Sunak refuses to say whether he’ll vote on Boris Johnson partygate report", Evening Standard (19 June 2023)