Ex-UK PM Thatcher ill in hospital

2010-10-20 14:30

London - Britain's iconic former leader Margaret Thatcher is in hospital for tests, but well enough to be discussing her successor's spending cuts, her son says.

Mark Thatcher told reporters on Wednesday that his 85-year-old mother was "good, chirpy" and talking about the current Conservative-led government's economic plans.

Thatcher, Britain's Conservative Party prime minister from 1979 to 1990, had to skip a reception in honour of her 85th birthday last week because as she suffered from flu.

Her son said she has undergone a routine series of tests at a London hospital, and is likely to remain there for several days.

Prime Minister David Cameron's office says he wishes the former leader a "speedy recovery".

- AP