REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON - Polls have shown that many Britons are unhappy that the estimated 10-million pound (15 million  USD) pound bill for the Margareth Thatcher's ceremonial funeral is being picked up by the taxpayer at a time of austerity and spending cuts. Thatcher, who governed Britain from 1979 to 1990, died on April 8 aged 87 after suffering a stroke. 

The late leader was honoured with a gun salute from the Tower of London every minute and the silencing of the Big Ben bell at the Houses of Parliament. British military bandsmen played Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Chopin to accompany the grandest funeral for a British politician since that of Thatcher's hero, Winston Churchill, in 1965.

"She was the first woman prime minister, she served for longer in the job than anyone for 150 years, she achieved some extraordinary things in her life," said Cameron, current leader of the Conservative Party. "What is happening today is absolutely fitting and right," he said, dismissing the critics.

A handwritten note placed on a wreath of white flowers on her coffin read: "Beloved mother - always in our hearts".

More than 700 armed forces personnel from units that served in the 1982 Falklands War against Argentina - Thatcher's most emblematic victory - lined the streets. Police also stood all along the route. People gathered along the funeral procession route early in the morning with placards that reflected a range of views.

"You gave millions of us hope, freedom, ambition," read one. Another said: "Over 10 million pounds of our money for a Tory funeral". Tory is another word for Conservative.

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