"So, what I say to people is that politics has got to be about principle and values above all. Of course, there are times when you have to make accommodations"

This quote by Chris Patten highlights the importance of principles and worths in politics. He is suggesting that politics should be driven by these values, instead of by individual gain or aspiration. He acknowledges that there are times when compromises need to be made, but these ought to not be the main focus of politics. Instead, political leaders should make every effort to promote their concepts and worths, even when it is challenging to do so. This quote motivates politicians to be principled and to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is not popular or practical. It is a suggestion that politics should be about more than simply winning or losing, but about making a positive difference on the planet.