UK MPs have begun paying tribute to Margaret Thatcher. However a number have boycotted the House of Commons with one former Labour Minister claiming David Cameron was hijacking her death for political gain.

The tributes were led by Mr. Cameron. Speaking in the Commons he says she made history "defining and overcoming the great challenges of her age".

He also addressed the criticism surrounding the decision to recall parliament and the anger from some Labour MPs about today's tributes.

He said he could never have envisaged when he worked for Mrs. Thatcher in the 1980s that he would one day suceed her.

"They say 'cometh the hour, cometh the man' - well in 1979, came the hour the hour and came the lady" he said.

"She made the political weather, she made history - and let this be her epitaph, that she made our country great again".

"I commend this motion to the House" he added.

'Overwhelmed by messages of support'

While Mark Thatcher says his mother would have been honoured and humbled by the presence of Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral next week.

He has been speaking publicly for the first time since her death at the age of 87.

He says his mother had been blessed with a long life and very full one and he thanked people for their response.

"We have quite simply been overwhelmed by messages of support, condolence of every type, from far and wide" he said.

"I know that my mother would be pleased they have come from people of all walks of life" he added.

Meanwhile Downing Street has released more details about her funeral. More than 700 Armed Forces personnel from all three services will be taking part. Her coffin will be carried into St. Paul's Cathedral by people with links to the Falklands War.

A spokesman for the British Prime Minister says details of the cost will be released after the service next Wednesday.

However Labour MP Ronnie Campbell has refused to join fellow MPs in paying tributes to her.