Thatcher 'feeling a lot brighter'

Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher is “feeling a lot brighter” after a fainting episode and hopes to be released from hospital this afternoon, a spokesman for her office said today.

Precautionary tests on the 82-year-old former Prime Minister have so far revealed nothing seriously wrong.

Thatcher was driven from her home in central London to nearby St Thomas’ Hospital last night.

Her spokesman said today: “She has had a comfortable night. She has been chatting to the nurses and feeling a lot brighter.

“They are finishing off testing that is really routine stuff.”