That if Margaret Thatcher truly wanted a private funeral

[RedHelenB]

Then that is what her surviving relatives should decide? I can't see how they can be FORCED into having one decided by the state?

She obviously didn't want a private funeral because she agreed to a state funeral when she was alive here.

I think the wishes of people who are alive generally trump the wishes of people who are dead.

Shes not having a state funeral, its a ceremonial funeral. Big difference.

That's the point I'm making Gruff - she obviously wasn't averse to one!!

HollyBerry - the difference seems to be a) we don't need an act of parliament and b) we don't get the day off work (so the commute will be hell one way or another)

HollyBerryBush, your definition of 'big' differs quite profoundly from mine.