Following the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell expressed sadness and paid tribute to her strength of character and resolve. 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. Mr Mundell also thinks that she serves as a reminder to all politicians and all people of the importance of having courage in your convictions and aspiring to do what you believe is right rather than simply popular. Mr Mundell believes that her death will leave a vacuum in British politics which has been so heavily influenced by her presence.
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.
Commenting following the sad news David Mundell MP, 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 and, along with President Reagan, 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.
She also provided great support and comfort to our then local MP Sir Hector Monro at the time of the Lockerbie Air Disaster and showed enormous respect and concern for the town and the victims when she visited in its aftermath."