US Senate strangely silent over Margaret Thatcher

In deference to Lady Thatcher’s immense popularity across the Pond, the US House of Representatives paid tribute to her. But the US Senate has been oddly reluctant to follow suit. Sources in Washington tell Mr Steerpike that a Republican resolution is ‘on hold’ because Democrat majority leader Harry Reid, with the help of a Senator Schumer, is blocking the move.

This is poor show, as a quick history lesson will prove. US senators were slow to authorise President Reagan’s attack on the late and unlamented ‘Mad Dog’ of the Middle East. But the Gipper wasn’t worried because the Iron Lady allowed the assault to be launched from these shores. That’s friendship, honourable senators.