Can Burnham Dismantle Thatcher’s Revolution?

Oct 2, 2026 | UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to reverse Margaret Thatcher’s economic legacy.

Bloomberg Originals explores whether this proposed rollback is feasible in the UK’s current fiscal landscape. …

Burnham rolls dice on radical policies he knows may backfire

Camilla Tominey, Ed Conway & Jenny Chapman Debate Andy Burnham's Take on Britain's "Wrong Turns"

Sep 2, 2026 | In his first appearance at the government despatch box in 16 years, Andy Burnham tells MPs he knows what's gone 'wrong' with the country - blaming the economic policies of both Tory and Labour governments since the 1980s, compounded by Brexit. Is he right? And does he have solutions to fix it? The Daily Telegraph's Camilla Tominey, Sky News's Ed Conway and Labour Peer Jenny Chapman join the Newsnight panel to discuss. Interview by Victoria Derbyshire.

Related link here »

Burnham Blames Brexit and Thatcher: Is He Right about Britain’s Problems? | Jeremy Vine

September 2, 2026 | In his first Commons address as Prime Minister, Burnham blamed both for years of low growth, saying Britain needs more substantial change on the economy and cost of living.

Supporters say he has a point. They argue Brexit damaged trade, investment and confidence, while decades of privatisation and underinvestment left Britain with weak growth, poor infrastructure and squeezed public services.

Critics say Burnham is looking backwards. They argue Margaret Thatcher left office more than 35 years ago, Brexit happened a decade ago, and the new Prime Minister now needs to focus on solutions rather than blame.

There is also the question of delivery. With bills, food prices, mortgages and energy costs still putting pressure on households, can Burnham really make people feel better off?

So is Burnham right to blame Brexit and Thatcher, or should he stop pointing to the past and prove he can fix the future?


Distance lends perspective. As a one-time huge fan of Thatcher, I have the following to say…

Margaret Thatcher was the architect of many of our economic problems today. She did some things that were very good; it’s true. But it must also be said that she harmed the British economy as well, especially by selling off so many of this country’s valuable assets. As Harold Macmillan said: Thatcher sold off the family silver. This is his actual quote:

“The sale of assets is common with individuals and states when they run into financial difficulties. …

First of all the Georgian silver goes, and then all that nice furniture that used to be in the saloon. Then the Canalettos go.” — Harold Macmillan, November 8, 1985

At the time, it seemed that she was working miracles with the UK economy, but those apparent miracles turned out to be short-term fixes — short-term dreams, but long-term nightmares.

Further, Thatcher (and her buddy, Reagan, in the States) were the root cause of the huge wealth gap that we have today.

So much for Thatcherism; so much for Reaganomics! — © Mark Alexander

Carol Thatcher: The Tories Stabbed My Mother in the Back; It Stayed with Her | The Daily T

Oct 17, 2025 | This week marks 100 years since the birth of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher - one of the most influential figures in modern British politics.

In this exclusive interview for The Daily T podcast, Camilla and Tim sit down with her daughter, Carol Thatcher, to explore what it was like growing up with Britain’s first female Prime Minister.

Carol offers a rare, personal insight into life inside Number 10 Downing Street, sharing intimate stories of her mother’s work ethic, her approach to power, and the personal side of a political icon. She reflects on how Thatcher’s leadership continues to inspire female politicians, the political fallout after the Tories ousted her, and why her mother still holds a near-mythic status within the Conservative Party.

Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady

Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady - From her humble beginnings as a grocer's daughter, Margaret Thatcher fought her way through the sexist prejudices of the 1970s to become the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1979.

Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady (2012)
Director: Alan Byron
Stars: Tony Benn, Gyles Brandreth, Michael Brunson
Genre: Documentary, Biography, History
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Release Date: August 24, 2012 (United States)

Charles Moore - Margaret Thatcher: A Free Market Legacy | Full Length

11 Aug 2016 | ieaTV recently interviewed Margaret Thatcher’s authorised biographer Charles Moore to discuss the former Prime Minister’s legacy. In the video above, Moore provides great insights as to how Margaret Thatcher’s stance on the market economy developed and how she popularised it. He seeks to outline her approach to foreign affairs, in relation to the EU, the US and her broad approach to the Cold War. He then assesses the legacy of Thatcherism and Margaret Thatcher’s own reputation.

Margaret Thatcher: Peace & the EU

23 Apr 2024 | The European Community, now called the European Union, was started for one reason alone: to create lasting peace and security between its members following the most devastating war the world had ever known.

Don’t take my [Jon Danzig’s] word for it. This is what UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, said to the European Parliament on 9 December 198:

“70 years ago Europe had just experienced, on the battlefields of Verdun and the Somme, the bloodiest fighting, the most tragic waste of a generation, that the world has ever known. “The Second World War was to bring further heartbreak and destruction. “Our Community was conceived and constructed to ensure that this experience would never be repeated, to bring about a lasting peace within Western Europe, to replace antagonism with friendship and cooperation, to deepen and broaden Europe’s democratic tradition.” Mrs Thatcher added: “And let us never forget that the aftermath of war produced two great ideas which have shaped our destiny ever since. “One was the NATO Alliance, the other the European Community.”

Throughout her premiership, and previously as an MP, and then leader of the Opposition, Mrs Thatcher was a strong supporter of the European Community project. In particular, she helped to design and promote the EU’s crown jewel: its Single Market, which has transformed and enriched the continent of Europe. …

Margaret Thatcher: Britain's Iron Lady

Jun 16, 2024 | In this intriguing documentary, we examine the life and career of Britain's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. After 1990, Lady Thatcher (as she became known) remained a potent political figure and went on to contribute in many other ways.

In this program we present a portrait of an intensely controversial figure. Critics claim that her economic policies were divisive socially, that she was harsh or 'uncaring' in her politics and hostile to the institutions of the British welfare state. Defenders point to a transformation in Britain's economic performance over the course of the Thatcher Governments and those of her successors as Prime Minister.

100 Years of Margaret Thatcher | UK Politics | The New Statesman

Oct 18, 2025

Here in Wales, when I was in school, we weren't given skimmed milk; each child was given a third of a pint of whole milk. Skimmed milk wasn't much of a thing when I was in school. Further, the milk wasn't usually warm, either. Unless, perhaps,, in summer, of course. I think Charles Moore must have ‘misremembered’ this!

I’m sure that for parents today who struggle to be able to afford to nourish their children, free milk in school would go a long way to help them. Milk for growing children helps develop strong bones and teeth. And please remind me: How much did ‘Thatcher the Milk Snatcher ‘ save for the Treasury with thus mean-minded decision? Governments waste so much money in other ways that it is hard to see how much she gained from this. She certainly lost popularity through this measure. — © Mark Alexander

How One Speech Toppled Thatcher and Directly Led to Brexit 26 Years Later

Jan 3, 2025 | “It created a fault line in the Tory Party and British politics which led directly to Brexit.”

Ed Vaizey is joined by playwright Jonathan Maitland to dissect how Geoffrey Howe's resignation speech in 1990 changed the course of British politics.


WIKIPEDIA: Geoffrey Howe »

In Conversation with Margaret Thatcher | Former PM of the United Kingdom

Jan 2, 2025 | Prasar Bharati Archives presents a series 'In Conversation with Rajiv Mehrotra'. The guest of honor is British stateswoman and Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold the position.

Margaret Thatcher's words sound sweet. Unfortunately, she and her sidekick, the Old Gipper in the States, were the architects of many of our woes today, particularly the enormous wealth gap between the superrich and the very poor. I am old enough to have been taken in by her when she was in power. Now, I see the folly of her ways. She sold off the family silver leaving the UK impoverished. Most of the UK today is owned by foreigners, not Brits. Unfortunately, Thatcher destroyed much that was wonderful about Britain. She is even the woman who sowed discontent with our membership of the European Union, leading to that ridiculous and impoverishing Brexit. Long may Thatcher rest in peace. Unfortunately, her legacy doesn't allow us Brits to live in peace. – © Mark Alexander

She Refused to Listen: Inside Thatcher's Monetarism Experiment

Nov 4, 2024 | Join Sir Tim Lankester, Margaret Thatcher's first private secretary for economic affairs, as he discusses his new book "Inside Thatcher's Monetarism Experiment" with IEA Executive Director Tom Clougherty. Drawing from his first-hand experience in the early years of the Thatcher government, Sir Tim examines the adoption of monetarism as the primary tool for fighting inflation in 1979-81, arguing that while the broader economic reforms of the period were successful, the strict adherence to monetary targets led to unnecessarily high unemployment.

In this discussion, Sir Tim reflects on his transition from studying Keynesian economics at Cambridge to becoming what he calls a "disbelieving monetarist" in government. He provides insights into Margaret Thatcher's unwavering conviction in monetarist theories, her hands-on involvement in monetary policy, and her qualities as a boss. The conversation also explores the economic context of the 1970s, including high inflation, industrial unrest, and the 1976 IMF loan that set the stage for the monetarist experiment.

The event concludes with a lively Q&A session covering topics including current monetary policy, quantitative easing, and the long-term impact of the Thatcher government's economic reforms. Sir Tim offers a balanced assessment of the period, praising the supply-side reforms while maintaining his criticism of what he terms "hard monetarism" in the early years of Thatcher's premiership.

Margaret, Death of a Revolutionary

Jun 24, 2021 | Martin Durkin's explosive film about Margaret Thatcher argues that she did more to liberate and enrich the working class than any socialist ever has or will. And that is why the Left (and the intelligentsia and the Tory old guard) hate her so much.

This star-studded feature-length film includes interviews with the Prime Minister, Norman Tebbit, Nigel Lawson, Cecil Parkinson, Neil Kinnock, Kenneth Baker, Norman Lamont, Geoffrey Howe, John Redwood, David Davis, Bernard Ingham, Charles Powell, Janet Daley, Polly Toynbee, Kelvin MacKenzie, and others close to Mrs Thatcher.

Martin Durkin's previous films include The Great Global Warming Swindle, Britain's Trillion Pound Horror Story and the series Against Nature.

Maggie Thatcher, Karriere einer Eisernen Lady [Doku]

Mar 12, 2017 | Margaret Thatcher war von 1979 bis 1990 die erste weibliche Premierministerin des Vereinigten Königreichs von Großbritannien und Nordirland. Sie gewann den Falkland-Krieg mit einer Entschlossenheit, die ihr den Beinamen "eiserne Lady" einbrachte, kürzte die Sozialausgaben, privatisierte die britischen Staatsbetriebe und zwang die in den Arbeitskampf getretenen Bergarbeiter und Docker in die Knie. Ihre altmodisch-konservative Aufmachung und ihre Vorliebe für die puritanische Sittenordnung ändern nichts an der Tatsache, dass "Maggie" eine Revolutionärin war. Die Passionaria im Gouvernantenkostüm brachte der Welt den "Thatcherismus".

Margaret Thatcher Interview | Conservative | British Politics | 1982

Apr 9, 2013 | Llew Gardner speaks to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for TV Eye | First shown: 18/02/1982

A look back at a time when the Conservative Party could show the nation the way forward. Of course, not everyone agreed with Margaret Thatcher's economic solutions for the woes of the British economy. But love Maggie or hate her, she had oodles of class, polish, style, and intellect. Compare her with the contenders for Conservative Party leadership today! There is no comparison! The Conservative Party has truly lost its way. – © Mark Alexander

The Thatcher Legacy & the Future of British Politics with Charles Moore | In Conversation

Oct 14, 2024 | In this new episode in the 'In Conversation' series, Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham and Member of the House of Lords, sits down with Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), to discuss the current state of British politics and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Moore, the acclaimed biographer of Thatcher and former editor of The Spectator and The Telegraph, offers unique insights into the challenges facing modern conservatism and draws intriguing parallels between today's political landscape and the era of Thatcher's rise to power.

Throughout the discussion, Moore delves into a range of pressing issues, including the impact of globalisation, the changing nature of political institutions, and the cultural shifts affecting contemporary society. He reflects on the lessons that can be learned from Thatcher's leadership style and governance approach, while also addressing the new challenges that have emerged in the decades since her tenure. Moore's nuanced perspective on topics such as immigration, the role of international institutions, and the evolving dynamics within the Conservative Party provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current political climate.

This conversation offers viewers a rare opportunity to hear from one of Britain's most respected political commentators as he shares his insights on the past, present, and future of conservative thought. Whether you're a student of politics, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping modern Britain, this discussion between Charles Moore and Tom Clougherty promises to be both enlightening and timely.

Did Thatcher Ruin or Save the UK Economy?

Jan 29, 2024 | The economic impact of Margaret Thatcher's economic policies was immense. This is a look at the impact on inflation, unemployment, growth, inequality and the long-term structure of the economy.

How Thatcher Damaged the UK Economy

Jan 29, 2024 | The economic impact of Margaret Thatcher's economic policies was immense. This is a look at the impact on inflation, unemployment, growth, inequality and the long-term structure of the economy.

Harold Macmillan Giving a Speech on Margaret Thatcher's Privatisation Policies

Die Thatcher-Jahre | Doku HD | ARTE

Jun 7, 2023 | Die Thatcher-Ära ist ein Meilenstein der Geschichte und gilt als Geburtsstunde unserer heutigen Gesellschafts- und Wirtschaftsordnung. Dennoch herrscht bei Weitem kein Konsens darüber, was Thatcherismus genau bedeutet – und zwar aus gutem Grund: Die drei von Margaret Thatcher geführten Regierungen setzten von 1979 bis 1990 erstmals die Konzepte des Neoliberalismus um.

Margaret Thatcher: eine polarisierende Person, die oft sehr undifferenziert wahrgenommen wird. Hinter ihrem übertriebenen Verhalten und ihren exzessiven Äußerungen verblasst der Kontext der damaligen Zeit. Übrig bleibt ein sehr vereinfachendes, nicht selten frauenfeindlich gefärbtes Bild: das einer unaufhaltsamen Dampfwalze, fest entschlossen, zum Erreichen ihrer Ziele alles plattzumachen, was sich ihr in den Weg stellt.

Dabei ist die Realität viel komplexer und chaotischer. Die Eiserne Lady hat nicht immer ihre neoliberalen Überzeugungen konsequent verfochten und entsprach auch nicht unbedingt dem Klischee der Frau aus dem Volk mit dem gesunden Menschenverstand. Gewiss hat sie das Vereinigte Königreich autoritär nach ihrem Bild umgestaltet, doch ein großer Teil dieses Bildes war ein Konstrukt, mit dem sie opportunistisch auf die politischen und kulturellen Verhältnisse ihrer Zeit reagierte.

Der Dokumentarfilm erörtert das Erbe der Eisernen Lady und lässt Mitarbeiter, politische Gegner, Zeitzeugen, Aktivisten und Historiker zu Wort kommen, deren Aussagen ein neues Licht auf diese Jahre des Wandels werfen: Waren Margaret Thatcher und die Neoliberalen wirklich so modern, so „neo“, als sie die progressiven, angeblich archaischen Ideen der Linken in den Orkus beförderten? Oder waren sie nicht vielmehr selbst zutiefst archaisch mit ihrer Rückkehr zum brutalen Liberalismus des 19. Jahrhunderts und seiner rigiden viktorianischen Moral, von PR-Leuten clever als modern verkauft? Margaret Thatcher war die Matrix des radikalen Konservatismus und verkörperte wie keine andere diesen unauflösbaren Widerspruch, der sich bis heute durch die Gesellschaft zieht.

Dokumentarfilm von Guillaume Podrovnik (F 2022, 92 Min)
Verfügbar bis zum 12/08/2023