Baroness Thatcher

We all agree she was the original “Marmite” politician – you either loved or hated her. I never admired her style, but did admire her resolve in what she did. She showed the mettle now required, but lacking, in today’s leaders.

On the same day, an otherwise sensible letter to Hear All Sides on energy from Jim Allen was ruined by his vilification of Lady Thatcher, blaming her government for the closure of most coal mines.

History has shown it was not government leaders of the day that destroyed the coal industry, but its union leaders who were hellbent on a political struggle against the Tories.

Now, history repeats itself and union leaders are spoiling for a fight with the coalition Government even before the cuts in services are announced.

History shows the Thatcher and Major governments built a strong economy which was then squandered by Labour between 1997 and May 2010.

If the unions showed more intent on working to reduce the deficit, rather than fighting the Government, then the financial crisis could be shortened.

It is the unions which “crucified industry” and not Baroness Thatcher as declared by Harry Mead.

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me, Durham.