QUOTES

The Lords' success is down to years of selective in-breeding.

Ex-Chancellor Kenneth Clarke explaining the House of Lords' 12th successive victory over the Commons in the annual tug-of-war battle

Chattering through the speeches of their peers, with their feet on the benches and sneers on their faces, they typify the football hooligans and pop fans who voted for their party and who could not tell a debate from a debenture.

Roger Scruton, philosopher, on the behaviour of "Tony's cronies" in the Upper House

You have an argument about buying white or brown bread in the supermarket and the next day you read you are divorcing.

Scary Spice Melanie Gulzar on the tabloid press

Being a part of modern women's tennis is incompatible with traditional feminine virtues and graces.

Buster Mottram, former British No 1 tennis player

I shall not be compelled to listen to the opinions of fools, with the occasional noncommittal nod of the head.

Sir Julian Critchley, ex-MP, on what he can look forward to after being expelled from the Conservative Party after 50 years' membership