Veteran MP Winnick in attack on Baroness Thatcher for causing 'pain and suffering'

Prime Minister David Cameron kicked off the tributes yesterday afternoon in a debate snubbed by many Labour MPs, including Wolverhampton North East's Emma Reynolds, by praising Lady Thatcher as an "extraordinary leader and an extraordinary woman".

But the MP for Walsall North said it would be hypocritical not to express his honest opinion.

He said: "I recognise that by becoming the first female Prime Minister obviously she made history, and that cannot be disputed for one moment.

"But what was done under her premiership, the 11-and-a-half years in which she was at 10 Downing Street, the way in which those policies were carried out, in my view and indeed the view of these benches at that time, was highly damaging, and caused immense pain and suffering to ordinary people."

South Staffordshire Tory Gavin Williamson attended the debate: "It was one of those occasions that as an MP you'll have very few occasions to witness," he said.

But Wolverhampton MP Emma Reynolds, said: "As a new MP I am reluctant to be in Parliament during recess as I need as much time in the constituency as possible. I visited two businesses and met a group of trade unionists and didn't want to cancel those meetings."

Wolverhampton South West Tory Paul Uppal said: "I did go. I thought it appropriate that those who knew her really well should speak."

Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, was at the debate but did not speak. He said: "It was right to pay our respects to someone who led the country."

John Spellar, Labour MP for Warley was present at the debate, but did not speak.

Stourbridge MP Margot James said: " I am deeply grateful to have benefited personally, both politically and in business, from the policies that she pursued with such bravery and determination. May she rest in peace."