John Prescott, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, passed away at 86. Known for transforming the Labour Party with Tony Blair, he also played a key role in climate negotiations, including the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Tributes pour in for Prescott’s legacy as a champion of working-class people and the environment.
John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, has passed away at the age of 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Prescott, a central figure in the Labour Party under Tony Blair, helped shape the party’s direction in the late 20th century. His political career spanned several decades, and he played an instrumental role in the Labour Party’s shift toward the center-left.
Prescott’s legacy extends beyond British domestic politics. He was deeply involved in climate change negotiations, particularly the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, where he worked alongside former US Vice President Al Gore to secure international commitments to reduce carbon emissions. His efforts in this area were widely praised by global leaders, with Gore remembering Prescott as a "dear friend" and commending his unwavering commitment to environmental causes.
A former merchant seaman and trade unionist, Prescott was known for his plain-spoken approach and his ability to bridge divides within the Labour Party. He served as Deputy Prime Minister for a decade and was often described as the glue that held the government together, especially during tensions between Blair and his successor, Gordon Brown.
Despite his health struggles in recent years, Prescott's influence in British politics remained strong. His death has drawn tributes from numerous figures, including former Prime Ministers Blair and Brown, who hailed him as a "colossus" in the Labour movement.
