Falklands/Pinochet: Lady Thatcher press statement ("Statement by the Rt Hon the Baroness Thatcher following the decision of the Law Lords on the case of Senator Pinochet") [decision back in the hands of the British Government; "The Senator is old, frail and sick, and on compassionate grounds alone should be allowed to return to Chile"]
| Document type: | Speeches, interviews, etc. |
|---|---|
| Source: | Thatcher Archive |
| Editorial comments: | MT also wrote a private letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, which can be read here. |
| Importance ranking: | Major |
| Word count: | 73 |
| Themes: | Conservatism, Labour Party & socialism, Leadership, Executive, Judiciary, Law & order, Defence (Falklands) |
Today’s judgment by the Law Lords places the decision about what happens to Senator Pinochet back into the hands of the British Government.
The Senator is old, frail and sick, and on compassionate grounds alone should be allowed to return to Chile. I also remain convinced that the national interests of both Chile and Britain would be best served by releasing him, which the Home Secretary has it in his power to do.