The great disadvantage of our present electoral system is that it freezes the pattern of politics, and holds together the incompatible because everyone assumes that if a party splits it will be electorally slaughtered.

- Roy Jenkins

The permissive society has been allowed to become a dirty phrase. A better phrase is the civilised society.

- Roy Jenkins

We must not expect a full-scale peaceful revolution every time a Labour Government is elected.

- Roy Jenkins

A social democratic party without deep roots in the working class movement would quickly fade into an unrepresentative intellectual sect.

- Roy Jenkins

I am sure Mr Heath thinks he is honest but I wish he didn't have to have his friends say it so often.

- Roy Jenkins

The Labour Party is and always has been an instinctive part of my life.

- Roy Jenkins

There are always great dangers in letting the best be the enemy of the good.

- Roy Jenkins