The former Prime Minister has died of a stroke at the age of 87. She led the Conservative party as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.
In 1979 she was elected the first woman Prime Minister in the long history of the United Kingdom. She played a great role in the defense of the Falkland Islands in the 1982 war, where she ordered a naval task force to regain the islands back from Argentinian forces.
She was also criticized for her role in privatizing many of the UK’s publicly controlled services and industries. More popular was the Miners Strike that lasted a year from 1984 – 1985. The former Prime Minister also survived an attempt on her life in 1984, where the IRA had bombed the Brighton Grand Hotel.
In 1990 she stepped down as leader of the Conservative party, thus conceding her seat in office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However, she still retained her seat as MP for Finchley in North London, up until 1992.
Responses from notable figures
US President, Barack Obama’s response: “lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty” and that “America has lost a true friend”.
The Queen’s response (Issued by the Queen’s Press Secretary): “The Queen was sad to hear the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher. Her Majesty will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family.”
UK Prime Minister, David Cameron’s response: “It was with great sadness that l learned of Lady Thatcher’s death. We’ve lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton”. Also, “As our first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher succeeded against all the odds, and the real thing about Margaret Thatcher is that she didn’t just lead our country, she saved our country. I believe she’ll go down as the greatest British peacetime Prime Minister.”
According to Number10, Lady Thatcher will be receiving a ceremonial funeral as opposed to a state funeral, at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral.
