Cornish MP calls for celebratory 'Margaret Thatcher Day' in the UK
Sheryll Murray also wants more action to encourage women to seek elected office
Last updated 30th Mar 2022
A Cornish MP has called for more action to encourage women to seek elected office and also a dedicated day to honour Margaret Thatcher.
Speaking in the House of Commons at women and equalities questions, Conservative MP Sheryll Murray, who represents South East Cornwall, said: “There’s no doubt that our first female prime minister led the way by showing women that they can reach the highest office and do the job well.
“What steps are the Government taking to encourage more women to seek elected office and will she consider a similar accolade to the Falkland Islands and celebrate a Margaret Thatcher Day?”.
The Equalities Minister gave her support to creating a “Margaret Thatcher Day” in the UK.
Kemi Badenoch added any final decision on such an accolade for the country’s first female prime minister would be for Boris Johnson.
The Falkland Islands celebrates Margaret Thatcher Day every January 10th, the anniversary of her first visit in 1983.
A street in the capital, Stanley, is also named Thatcher Drive after her and there is a bust statue of her with the inscription: “They are few in number, but they have the right to live in peace, to choose their own way of life and allegiance.”
The tributes came after a UK taskforce helped liberate the islands from Argentine forces in 1982.
Ms Badenoch replied to Sheryll Murray saying: “I personally would be very supportive of a Margaret Thatcher Day but I think that is more a question for the Prime Minister than myself.
“And (Ms Murray) will know that all parties actually do quite a lot to support women into elected office, and I think that’s something we can agree across the House is a very important thing to continue.”