Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

MPs line up to pay respects to – and criticise – Margaret Thatcher

This afternoon’s tribute debate in the House of Commons will continue until 10pm, with many MPs wanting to pay their respects to Margaret Thatcher. There will be many speeches about how the former Prime Minister inspired and shaped the politics of those speaking. But there will also inevitably be those who want to talk about the negative aspects of her legacy.

Ed Miliband, who gave a measured tribute on Monday, faces the challenge of giving a speech that isn’t insincere but that remains respectful too. Some of his MPs, such as John Healey, who has written a forceful piece for PoliticsHome, are boycotting the event. Others, such as David Winnick, say they will attend and criticise Thatcher. Interestingly, I understand from Labour MPs that their leadership hasn’t been trying to advise any of them on what they should or shouldn’t say in the session.

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