LONDON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair has upset some Conservatives, suggesting he would not recommend a state funeral for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The statement came after Rosie Cooper, a Labor member of Parliament, asked Blair about stories that plans were being drawn up for a funeral that would include a procession through London followed by a service at St. Paul's Cathedral or Westminster Abbey, The Telegraph reported.
At the moment, the question is academic since Thatcher, 81, is reported to be in good health, in spite of having several small strokes a few years ago. Senior Conservatives accused Blair of using Thatcher -- who served as prime minister from 1979-90 -- to appease his Labor backbenchers.
Winston Churchill, who led Britain to victory in World War II, is the only recent prime minister honored with a state funeral. Others have had private funerals followed by an official memorial service at Westminster Abbey.
Thatcher remains a divisive figure in British politics. While many Conservatives call her the greatest prime minister since Churchill, many Labor Party members still hold her anti-union stance against her.
