FROM time to time questions get asked about the reasons for the continuing and damaging disconnection between the electorate and the political class in this country. The infamous expenses scandal a few years ago, involving members of both Houses of Parliament, confirmed for many their suspicions about politicians in the main being in it for what they can get out of it.
Now we have a decision made that files relating to business activities of Sir Mark Thatcher, son of Margaret, are not to be released from the National Archives (“Business files on Thatcher’s son stay secret for decades”, The Herald July 21). His title arose when he succeeded to the Thatcher baronetcy, a hereditary title conferred on his father Denis. The conferring of such a title at that time was somewhat unusual. Prior to that elevation he had become The Honourable when his mother was made a life peer. Such handing out of titles only succeeds in attracting more opprobrium upon the debased British honours system.
I view such a decision on non-disclosure as being not only inherently wrong , but also egregiously outrageous. It can only serve to underline speculation that something that was going on involving the then Prime Minister, her son, and others. The chequered career of the son has been well documented elsewhere, but one is left wondering whether or not there are chapters yet to be told. If this highly dubious decision is to be maintained, then at the very least the public should be advised of the identity of the person who made it and of the reasons for it being made. As matters stand, it has the aroma of yet another establishment cover-up.
Ian W Thomson,
38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.
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