Former UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott Dies at 86

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Former UK Deputy PM John Prescott, a champion of social justice and climate action, dies at 86.

Britain's former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, renowned for his role in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol climate change agreement, has passed away at the age of 86 in a care home, his family announced on Thursday.

"We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 86," the family said in a statement.

The family described Prescott as someone who "spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice, and protecting the environment."

Prescott served as deputy prime minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007. He was credited with helping Blair reposition the Labour Party toward the political center, leveraging his working-class roots to appeal to and moderate the party's more extreme left-wing factions.

Later, Prescott was made a life peer and joined the House of Lords, though he stepped down in July due to health issues. His health had declined following a stroke five years ago, and he had also been battling Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Wales, Prescott began his career as a ship's steward before becoming a trade union activist—a path that eventually led him into politics. In his youth, he was also an amateur boxer, a background that mirrored his combative character. This temperament was famously on display during the 2001 general election when he punched a man who threw an egg at him in North Wales. The incident earned him the nickname "Two Jags," referring to his ownership of two Jaguar cars, which was humorously modified to "Two Jabs."

Domestically, Prescott was a key mediator between Blair and his finance minister, Gordon Brown, helping to smooth tensions within the government. In a letter to Prescott in 2007, Blair acknowledged this role, stating, "The completely unique Prescott blend of charm and brutality... got you through the decade, kept the government together, and above all, gave me a lot of fun. I was lucky to have you as my deputy."

Blair expressed his grief in comments to the BBC, describing Prescott as "one of the most talented, committed, and loyal individuals" he had encountered in politics. He added, "He was definitely the most unusual."

Prescott also received widespread acclaim for his leadership during negotiations on behalf of Britain for the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change. He worked closely with Al Gore, the former U.S. vice president and a prominent environmentalist, to secure the agreement. Gore expressed his gratitude upon hearing of Prescott's passing, stating, "He fought like hell to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol and was an unwavering champion of climate action for decades to come."

Gordon Brown, who succeeded Blair as prime minister, described Prescott as a "colossus" and a "titan of the Labour movement." Brown credited Prescott as "probably the first government minister to see the importance of the environment," emphasizing that the 1997 Kyoto agreement was largely the result of Prescott's collaboration with Gore.

John Prescott is survived by his wife, Pauline, and their two sons, Johnathan and David.