Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has paid his respects to Baroness Thatcher, joining her family, friends, colleagues and international dignitaries at her funeral in St. Pauls.
Mr Mundell has been reflecting on his own personal memories over the last week and thinks that the service will allow all those who knew her, and whose lives she touched to share in those memories and her achievements.
Mr Mundell believes it is important to recognise the contribution of Baroness Thatcher who was the longest continually serving Prime Minster of the modern era, and Brittan’s first female Prime Minster, is widely acknowledged as Britain’s greatest peace time leader. Despite her critics, Mr Mundell believes that debates around her policies are for another day and that this is rightly the time to recognise the immense contribution she made to British public life and honour her long and dedicated public service.
The local MP has also expressed his gratitude for the support and friendship she offered his predecessor Sir Hector Monro following the Lockerbie Air Disaster and the concern and support she offered local people when she visited the town in the aftermath.
Local MP David Mundell commented: “It is an honour to have attended Margaret Thatcher’s funeral and pay my respects on behalf of my constituents and conservative across Scotland. It is fitting to mark this moment in our nation’s history, and whilst it is a sad day for the political community it is also one to reflect of the importance of conviction, choice and freedom in our democracy.
“This is not the time to debate her individual policies but to recognise and pay tribute to her long and dutiful public service and love of this country. I will always remember her kindness and generosity towards new Members of Parliament when I was first elected to Westminster in 2005. Locally, I am always grateful for the help and friendship she offered my predecessor Sir Hector Monro following the Lockerbie Air Disaster and the concern and support she showed residents when she visited the town. The service gives everyone present the opportunity to share in those memories and her achievements.”