This is a very very special evening. Everyone associated with the House of Commons or House of Lords or who has listened to their deliberations over the radio knows George Thomas and loves and admires him for the very great man that he is.
He has qualities that shine out of him. It didn't matter what party you were in the House of Commons you all admired George and respected his judgements. He always took trouble to get the right decision. He knew he'd taken trouble. He knew that he felt he was not alone in making any of the great decisions in life but he was informed by very much higher authority to which his life has been devoted.
And so when George wrote to me and said, “please can you come this evening for dinner?” , I said, “But George, you have chosen the very night when I can't come,” and then I said, “but would you mind if I came to the reception and flew away for dinner?” I was so pleased when he said yes. Of course my Denis Thatcherhusband insisted on coming and then my Mark Thatcherson decided to come over from America to be with George and George has always been so kind to the younger generation and today of course my Michael Thatchergrandson arrived at No 10.
I was delighted when I heard that June Mendoza was to paint this portrait because she paints not only with such enormous artistic talent and ability but with such sensitivity. It is a true portrait not just a picture and I also heard a lot about George and how he was at the time because she was also painting a portrait of me too. So, it means a very great deal and it was a very happy occasion and I know she had very very happy sittings with George and so for me its a great privilege to unveil this portrait and accept it on behalf of the NCH George Thomas Fund—a portrait of a truly great man who has performed such sterling service to the United Kingdom.