The King hailed the Labour veteran’s “decades of public service” in frontline politics and said he was “deeply saddened”.
“I remember with great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour,” he said.
Lord Prescott, who was a pivotal figure in Blair’s New Labour project, died peacefully in a care home surrounded by family. During a parliamentary career spanning 50 years, he served as deputy prime minister for a decade following the party’s landslide victory in 1997.
While he was known for his fiery temperament, he played a crucial role in mediating the often fractious relationship between Blair and then chancellor Gordon Brown. The former MP for Kingston upon Hull East, a seat which he held for four decades, made headlines in 2001 when he punched a protester who had thrown an egg at him during an election campaign event in North Wales.
Sir Tony’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell said the government “could not have had a better peacemaker”, adding: “Of course he was combative but he had an enormous heart and a great capacity for friendship.”
His attempts to push through the Kyoto climate change deal in the UK as a cabinet minister also earned him the nickname “two Jags” for his use of two Jaguar cars for short journeys while trying to encourage people to use vehicles less.
Born in Prestatyn, Wales, on 31 May 1938, Lord Prescott rose from humble beginnings as the son of a railway worker to become one of the Labour Party’s most prominent figures.
Though a steadfast ally of Sir Tony during his tenure, Lord Prescott later criticised aspects of New Labour’s legacy, including the controversial decision to invade Iraq. A former trade unionist and merchant seaman, Lord Prescott was widely known for his commitment to social justice and environmental protection.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Carse justifies England faith as the archetypal bold pick
If you won a boxing match after your opponent continually punched themselves in the face, how much credit can you take?
Tenacious Diallo the key to Amorim pressing machine
Old Trafford has not seen anything like this before.
Gold King Cole packs the Bridge with merry old souls
In the 83rd minute, the ball rolled to the feet of Cole Palmer in a bubble of space outside Aston Villa's box, and the crowd snapped to attention.
Vibrant Anfield marks the changing of the Guardiola
There was a lull in the noise, a break in the Anfield atmosphere, when a defiant chant emerged from a corner near Stefan Ortega’s goal.
What is so daunting about Spain's new data checks?
Q You have written about the new “red tape” for visitors to Spain. So, as well as your usual passport details you will give a contact number, address and email. Not exactly the Spanish Inquisition, is it?
Sectarian clashes claim at least 130 lives in Pakistan
At least 130 people were killed in deadly sectarian clashes in Pakistan's northwestern Kurram district in spite of a tentative ceasefire, days after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying Shia Muslims, local officials said.
Coalition government likely in Ireland as count proceeds
Fianna Fail say decisions on power-sharing for another day’
How Syria's forgotten war is back on the world's agenda
Many believed the country was lost in an unsolvable conflict, until everything changed in a matter of days, writes Bel Trew
Assad regime scrambles to halt Syrian rebels’ advance
Civilians reportedly killed by Russian and Syrian airstrikes
Mother of poisoning victim says she knew she would die
Lawyer Simone White succumbed to the effects of methanol while backpacking in Laos with two of her childhood friends
