Baroness Thatcher retires from public speaking engagements The former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, is to stop making public speeches, after a series of small strokes.

A statement issued by her office said:

"Over recent months, Lady Thatcher has suffered a number of small strokes. After thorough investigation involving a number of tests, her doctors have told her that these can neither be predicted nor prevented. They have therefore told her to cutback her programme at once, and in particular to avoid the undue strains that public speaking places on her. With great regret she has decided to abide by this advice and to cancel all her speaking engagements."

The Conservative Party Leader, Iain Duncan Smith, said he was saddened by the news, but fully understood the reasons that she had been advised to withdraw from her public engagements.

"On behalf of the whole party I wish her and Sir Denis the very best and our thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery", he said.