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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Kevin Rawlinson and agency

Sale of historic Downing Street visitors’ book halted due to ownership row

Downing Street visitors' book open flat with signatures of the queen and Prince Philip, and numerous ex-prime ministers visible
The red leather book was put up for sale by a former civil servant who says he found it among water-damaged boxes in a Whitehall basement more than 20 years ago. Photograph: Chiswick Auctions/PA

The sale of a Downing Street visitors’ book from Margaret Thatcher and Sir John Major’s times in office has been postponed amid a dispute about its ownership, with the government claiming it is a piece of the nation’s history – and property.

The red leather book contains the signatures of famous visitors including royalty and world leaders such as the former US president Ronald Reagan and Diana, Princess of Wales.

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