World Notes Britain /

Decked out in a cherry-red suit, Margaret Thatcher rose in the House of Commons last week to warn yet again of the perils of a European superstate. Prime Minister John Major squirmed on the government's front bench, but her commanding performance made some other Tories long for the past.

Two days later, Thatcher told the country she was looking to the future. After 32 years in the House of Commons, more than 11 as Prime Minister, she announced she will not run in the general election expected to be called early next year. She indicated she was eager to move to the House of Lords.

Her decision should be a relief for Major, who is trying to chart his own policy on European integration. He can speed Thatcher on her way: if she is to sit in the Lords, he will have to ask the Queen to grant her a peerage.