Thatcher state funeral plan denied
PEOPLE by Hugo Rifkind
A SIGN perhaps, of the rampant cross-dressing that Tony Blair believes to be a feature of British politics.
Officials at Downing Street have had to write to a Labour MP to deny that the Government was planning a state funeral for Baroness Thatcher. The Prime Minister is thought to have been in favour of honouring the Iron Lady in a manner previously reserved for the Royal Family and Winston Churchill .
There was even said to be a blueprint for the occasion, drawn up by the Cabinet Office: the cortège would pass through Trafalgar Square on its way to Westminster Abbey.
Rosie Cooper , MP for Lancashire West, had local members threatening to resign at the prospect. I can confirm that there are no such plans, John McTernan , Blairs political secretary, wrote. I hope this reply reassures your constituents.