All of us here at Biteback were very sad to hear of the death of Baroness Thatcher this morning, a truly remarkable woman who, whether you loved or loathed her, shaped post-war Britain profoundly. There are many things to discuss when it comes to dissecting the legacy of the Iron Lady, and no doubt the discussion will range from the heartfelt to the extreme. Given that, I’ll be remembering her via her very own, legendary, unforgettable words, delivered in the way that only Thatcher could. Here are some of our favourite (and lesser known) Margaret Thatcher quotes.
1. For me, so long as Britain is true to herself – with the freedom to decide for herself what is best for herself – she will always be Great Britain. 26 September 1995
2. In general, more nonsense was written about the so-called ‘feminine factor’ during my time in office than just about anything else. I was always asked how it felt to be a woman Prime Minister. I would reply: ‘I don’t know, I’ve never experienced the alternative.’ The Downing Street Years, 1993
3. It is always exhilarating to visit New York. But nowadays it is also ennobling. This was the city which terrorists hated so much that they sought to tear out its very heart. But that heart still beats – proudly, strongly, passionately. Out of the ashes, from amid the tears, New Yorkers are once again rebuilding their City and their lives. Truly they are an inspiration to the world. On the 9/11 attacks, 14 May 2003
4. What really gets me is this – it’s very ironic that those who are most critical of extra tax are those who are most vociferous in demanding extra expenditure. What gets me even more is that having demanded that extra expenditure they are not prepared to face the consequences of their own action and stand by the necessity to get the tax to pay for it. I wish some of them had a bit more guts and courage than they have. Referring to the Tory ‘wets’, 1981
5. Economics are the method. The object is to change the heart and soul. Sunday Times, 3 May 1981
BONUS:
I do wish I had brought my cheque book. I don’t believe in credit cards. At the Ideal Home Exhibition, March 1990
These quotes were taken from The Margaret Thatcher Book of Quotations. You can view all of our Margaret Thatcher related books here.