Our poll reflected the anger at the ceremonial send-off on the lavish scale of those the Queen Mother and Princess Diana were given
Crippled by savage Tory cuts, ordinary Brits are furious at forking out £10million for the funeral of a woman who shattered many of their communities all those years ago and left them a legacy of despair.
And a Mirror poll yesterday reflected the growing anger at the decision to give Margaret Thatcher a ceremonial send-off along the lavish scale of those the Queen Mother and Princess Diana had as national treasures.
Almost three out of five insist the procession, church service and security operation should be paid for by the former PM’s family – especially given her son Mark is worth an estimated £20million.
Only one in five agree the taxpayer should foot the bill for the funeral of a Tory politician who was the country’s most divisive leader – and who was worth £9.5million when she died.
No10 have refused to release official figures for what the event – organised in accordance with Lady Thatcher’s wishes – will cost.
Ministers will only reveal how much public cash was spent after the event, to avoid fuelling a fierce backlash with fears of protests along the route from Westminster to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Downing St said Lady Thatcher’s family will contribute but how much would be up to them.
In our Survation poll, only 38% agreed she deserves a funeral with full military honours like the Queen Mother and Diana.
But Foreign Secretary William Hague defended the cost.
He claimed Britain could “afford it”, despite his cronies insisting the country needs to save cash – a move they are bringing about by slashing welfare for the poor, sick and disabled.
Mr Hague said Lady Thatcher had saved the country £75billion since 1984 after securing an EU rebate. He added: “That puts money in perspective.”
As the survey revealed the overwhelming opposition to the funeral payments, critics took to Twitter to vent their fury.
Bern O’Donoghue posted: “If as Tories say we need austerity, why is taxpayer funding Thatcher’s funeral, a multi-millionaire?”
Gary Webster added: “Vomit-inducing plans for Thatcher’s funeral at taxpayer’s expense. Do they remember austerity?”
And Blair Taylor wrote: “Can’t help but think how typical it is of the Tories to defend an £8million funeral and be covered by the taxpayer.”
Mark yesterday broke his silence over his mother’s death on Monday.
Speaking outside her home in Belgravia, Central London, he refused to be drawn on the funeral costs.
He told of his delight at news the Queen will be among the world dignitaries at Wednesday’s event.
He added: “I would like to say how proud and equally grateful we are that Her Majesty has agreed to attend.
“My mother would be greatly honoured as well as humbled by her presence.
“We have been overwhelmed by messages of condolence from all walks of life.”
The Mirror/Survation poll of 1,000 people across the UK revealed:
* 57% say Lady Thatcher’s family should pay for her funeral
* 39% believe she changed Britain for the best
* 38% believe she deserves a Princess Diana-style send-off
