It's all eyes on PM Maggie

Wednesday's surprise visit to Braintree by the Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher prompted one of the largest security operations ever seen in the county.

Mrs Thatcher was in Essex to open Crittalls' new £18 million factory on the Springwood Industrial Estate.

Her visit was a secret until 24 hours beforehand when the media was informed, but no details were allowed to be published until after the event. Sniffer dogs searched the site before her 12.30pm arrival and remained stationed in a nearby carpark during the visit.

A large area of the estate was cordoned off and identification was needed by anyone wanting to approach the factory building.

The Essex Police helicopter circled above, watching for trouble. Mrs Thatcher praised the design of the new building, which cost Crittalls' parent company Norcross £18 million to construct.

She said she was impressed by the plant, adding: “This new facility will be of enormous benefit to all those who work here and the local authority, which has been very co-operative.”

“At a time of international crisis it is a special pleasure to come and open this new factory.”

Mrs Thatcher spoke about the Gulf Crisis as she left Crittalls, saying it was absurd for Iraq's United Nations' ambassador to blame events on British colonialism.

“The trouble is Saddam Hussein marched in and invaded another country, and took it by force. That is the root of the whole problem and we must never forget it,” the Prime Minister said.

“There are thousands and thousands of people - Arabs, Indians and Asians streaming out of Iraq to get away from the present dictator - that says it all.”