Protesters plan to turn their backs on Thatcher funeral

London police are bracing for protests at Margaret Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday, with opponents vowing to pelt her coffin with eggs, coal or milk if they can get close enough – or simply turn their backs on the passing procession.

More than 800 people have pledged to attend an event called “Maggie’s good riddance party”, promising a “right jolly knees-up” outside St Paul’s Cathedral – where 2,000 global political leaders, celebrities and friends will be paying their respects to the former British prime minister.

“Let the world know the hypocrisy of a state-funded funeral for the person who influenced 30 years of cuts to state funding of welfare,” the protest’s Facebook page reads.

“If taxpayers are funding her funeral... we can at least get our money’s worth.”

The former Conservative Party leader’s death has sparked furious debate in Britain over her legacy – and over the decision to grant her a state-funded ceremonial funeral, which by some estimates will cost the taxpayer up to £10 million (US$15 million).

Her more radical critics, who accuse her of ruining millions of lives with her radical free-market reforms, greeted news of her death from a stroke last week with impromptu street parties.