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Title
Date(s)
- 24 March 1980 (Creation)
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1 cartoon
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Set in a public school bedroom Geoffrey Howe, [Ian Gilmour] and Michael Heseltine dressed in tails and boaters. The wall bears banners which read "Thatcher Public School of Monetarism" and "The best education sytstem in the world". The three ministers are causing chaos - spilling water, throwing books, knocking over furniture - while three younger schoolboys are in tears while trying to clean the floors. Howe flexes a cane labelled "Budget", and says "Fags, I'm apalled! Look at the mess you've made of things! You leave us no alternative but to punish you most severely!". Margaret Thatcher, in a gown and mortar board, looks on with pride.
Context: Geoffrey Howe delivered a budget in March 1980 which was noted for its tight monetary policy and clampdown on spending (Source: Guardian website, accessed 27.02.19). "Fags" refers to the public school practice of using younger pupils as personal servants.
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Open