John Prescott, British former deputy prime minist...

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

Zim Now Writer

John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister of Britain, has died at 86. Known for his working-class roots and fiery personality, Prescott passed away peacefully in a care home, his family announced.

Prescott served as Deputy Prime Minister for over a decade under Tony Blair’s leadership, embodying traditional Labour values while navigating the party’s New Labour transformation. His dedication to social justice and the environment left a lasting legacy, including his role in negotiating the landmark Kyoto Protocol on climate change in 1997.

Leading figures across the political spectrum paid tribute to Prescott. Tony Blair, his long-time ally, called him “one of the most talented and loyal people” in politics, while Gordon Brown described him as a “gentleman” with a deep commitment to the working class. Keir Starmer, the current Labour leader, hailed him as a “true giant” of the movement.

Former US Vice President Al Gore, who worked alongside Prescott on climate policy, described him as a relentless advocate for global environmental action. “He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol,” Gore said, praising Prescott’s ability to connect with people on critical issues.

Prescott retired from the House of Lords in July 2023, having served as Lord Prescott of Kingston upon Hull since 2010. His contributions to British politics, particularly his advocacy for social equity and climate action, remain enduring.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, and their sons, Jonathan and David. In their statement, they described him as a man who “spent his life fighting for social justice and protecting the environment.”