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Parkinson: Funeral protests 'would be a pity' Parkinson: Funeral protests 'would be a pity'
(about 2 hours later)
One of Baroness Thatcher's closest aides has urged people who want to show their "disapproval" of the former prime minister at her funeral to do so in an "agreeable way".One of Baroness Thatcher's closest aides has urged people who want to show their "disapproval" of the former prime minister at her funeral to do so in an "agreeable way".
The ceremony takes place on Wednesday, with some protests expected during the procession to St Paul's Cathedral.The ceremony takes place on Wednesday, with some protests expected during the procession to St Paul's Cathedral.
Former Conservative Party chairman Lord Parkinson told the BBC people were "free to demonstrate".Former Conservative Party chairman Lord Parkinson told the BBC people were "free to demonstrate".
But he added that it would be a "pity" if they chose to do so.But he added that it would be a "pity" if they chose to do so.
Hundreds of people took part in a demonstration condemning Lady Thatcher in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday. Nine arrests were made, five of them for drunk and disorderly behaviour. Hundreds of people took part in a demonstration condemning Lady Thatcher in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday. Sixteen arrests were made, eight of them for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Protesters danced and sang around a large effigy of the late prime minister and chanted slogans.Protesters danced and sang around a large effigy of the late prime minister and chanted slogans.
'Strong''Strong'
Lady Thatcher died last Monday, aged 87, and her funeral service will be preceded by a procession from Westminster to St Paul's.Lady Thatcher died last Monday, aged 87, and her funeral service will be preceded by a procession from Westminster to St Paul's.
Dignitaries from around the world will attend, with military personnel lining the route. Police have prepared for some protests.Dignitaries from around the world will attend, with military personnel lining the route. Police have prepared for some protests.
Lord Parkinson, who also served as energy secretary and trade secretary in Lady Thatcher's cabinet, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I don't think it would have upset her. When you are as strong a character as she was, you don't disapprove of divisions."Lord Parkinson, who also served as energy secretary and trade secretary in Lady Thatcher's cabinet, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I don't think it would have upset her. When you are as strong a character as she was, you don't disapprove of divisions."
He added: "One of the joys of being British is that we are free to demonstrate."He added: "One of the joys of being British is that we are free to demonstrate."
But he said: "If people feel hostile and want to demonstrate, it's a pity."But he said: "If people feel hostile and want to demonstrate, it's a pity."
Lord Parkinson said he hoped people, "if they express their disapproval, will do it in an agreeable way".Lord Parkinson said he hoped people, "if they express their disapproval, will do it in an agreeable way".
The Dean of St Paul's, Very Reverend Dr David Ison, said: "I hope that people will remember this is about a human being who's facing death."The Dean of St Paul's, Very Reverend Dr David Ison, said: "I hope that people will remember this is about a human being who's facing death."
He added that Lady Thatcher was "not some kind of monster or a witch but was actually a human being doing what she believed to be right and we can respect that even though we may not agree with her politics".He added that Lady Thatcher was "not some kind of monster or a witch but was actually a human being doing what she believed to be right and we can respect that even though we may not agree with her politics".
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who is helping to organise the ceremony, told Sky News it would be a "fitting" tribute for a "very, very great lady".Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who is helping to organise the ceremony, told Sky News it would be a "fitting" tribute for a "very, very great lady".
He asked protesters to be respectful, adding: "Remember, there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who will enjoy the same freedom because of her."He asked protesters to be respectful, adding: "Remember, there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who will enjoy the same freedom because of her."