John Prescott; A Giant of the Labour Movement Remembered

2024-11-22

Former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced that he died peacefully in a care home, surrounded by jazz music, after battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Prescott was a key figure in the New Labour movement and served as Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007. Known for his straight-talking style, Prescott was often described as a political “bruiser” and earned the nickname “Two Jags” for his use of two Jaguar cars, which became a point of contention in his political career.

Born on May 31, 1938, in Prestatyn, Wales, Prescott rose from humble beginnings as the son of a railway signalman. He began his political journey after leaving school at 15 and eventually entered parliament as the MP for Kingston upon Hull East in 1970. He became a stalwart of the Labour Party, bridging the divide between traditional left-wing and modernising factions.

During his time in office, Prescott was involved in significant climate negotiations, including playing a lead role in the Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets on greenhouse gas emissions. He gained notoriety for his straightforward approach, notably for punching a protester who threw an egg at him during a campaign event in 2001—an incident that, while controversial, resulted in public sympathy toward him.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Prescott a “true giant” of the Labour movement, while Tony Blair expressed his devastation at the news, recalling Prescott’s loyalty and commitment. Former Chancellor Gordon Brown described him as a “titan” and a “gentleman,” highlighting his dedication to social justice.

As MPs gathered to pay their respects, speakers in the House of Commons remembered Prescott as a fierce advocate for working-class people and a champion for social justice, reiterating his significant impact on British politics.

John Prescott’s legacy will be remembered as one of a passionate political figure who dedicated his life to improving the conditions for ordinary people throughout his long career in public service.

John Prescott dies aged 86: Keir Starmer joins Tony Blair in tributes to Labour 'giant' John Prescott

The PM joins Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in paying tribute to the former deputy prime minister, who has died aged 86.

www.bbc.com

John Prescott, British former deputy prime minister, dies aged 86

Former trade union activist, who had Alzheimer’s, died peacefully at care home, says family

www.theguardian.com

Former UK deputy PM John Prescott dies aged 86 - RTHK

John Prescott, deputy prime minister to Britain's Tony Blair during his 10 years in government, has died aged 86 after a battle with Alzheimer&#0

gbcode.rthk.hk

John Prescott, former UK deputy prime minister, has died, his family says | CNN

The CNN report highlights the passing of John Prescott, a significant figure in British politics as the former Deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair'

www.cnn.com