Gerzer, a lot of what you say is true. I'm a little protective of marmite Thatcher, and it was testing times for many with the amount of changes going on. However, she can't be blamed for the decline of Webley and BSA. That they did themselves, well the British Gun Trade as a whole.
The Webley Vulcan MKI was a great boys rifle and taught me how to deal with triggers that need to be stamped on! It was half the price of a FWB Sport. And yes, Theobens were eye wateringly expensive. (I have never bought a new one, nor most of my air rifles.)

Beretta is the gun goliath that it is because the US Army bought its 92F 9mm handgun. Just takes one good contract, but you need the right product first.