Scotland’s sole Conservative MP praises Margaret Thatcher

Scotland’s sole Conservative Member of Parliament said that he fully realised that feelings in Scotland over Mrs Thatcher were mixed.

However, he stated that “debates around her policies are for another day and this is rightly the time to recognise the immense contribution she made to British public life and honour her long and dedicated public service”.

He said that, while she did divide opinions strongly, especially in Scotland, there was little doubt that the name Margaret Thatcher would feature prominently in any future history books.

In a fulsome tribute, he said: “My thoughts are with the family of Baroness Thatcher.

“She was a truly transformational figure who rescued an ailing Britain and set our nation on the path to an economic prosperity and social mobility that we had never previously enjoyed.

“Margaret Thatcher was a leader with clear ideas and the conviction and resolve to fight for them.

“She was an unwavering defender of our national sovereignty, a staunch advocate of the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

“Along with President Reagan, she was also a principal architect of the wave of freedom that swept aside the Iron Curtain and liberated millions from the chains of communism.

“Margaret Thatcher changed Scotland and Britain for the better, but she helped change the world for the better too.”

Downing Street has announced that the funeral of Baroness Thatcher will take place on Wednesday, April 17. It will not be a state funeral but she will be accorded the same status as Princess Diana and the Queen Mother.

The funeral ceremony, with full military honours, will take place at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, following a procession from Westminster. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are expected to attend.