For my part, I favour an approach to statecraft that embraces principles, as long as it is not stifled by them; and I prefer such principles to be accompanied by steel along with good intentions.

More from Margaret Thatcher

• A man may climb Everest for himself, but at the summit he plants his country’s flag.
• Being in power is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.
• Constitutions have to be written on hearts, not just paper.
• Defeat—I do not recognise the meaning of the word!
• For every idealistic peacemaker willing to renounce his self-defence in favour of a weapons-free world, there is at least one warmaker anxious to exploit the other’s good intentions.
• I believe that the royal family are a focus of patriotism, of loyalty, of affection and of esteem. That is a rare combination, and we should value it highly.