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Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Blair praises 'extraordinary' Prescott at funeral
John Prescott's achievements were "extraordinary", said former Prime Minister Tony Blair at his funeral. Delivering his eulogy at Hull Minster on Thursday, Blair said Prescott was a "complicated man, wrestling frequently with the tangle of ambition and altruism". "He possessed deep principles, but was also determined to make his mark," he added. The former deputy prime minister and Hull MP died on 20 November, aged 86, in a care home where he was living with Alzheimer's disease. Lord Prescott was deputy prime minister between 1997 and 2007. Blair said: "His achievements were extraordinary. "He was essential in designing the major constitutional reforms of our government, the Scottish parliament, the Welsh assembly and the first elected mayor of London. "He pioneered the idea of an integrated transport system. Throw him a problem and he would provide a solution. "There is not one of us who thinks of John without a smile." Other eulogies were delivered, including by Lord Prescott's son, David, who said: "He taught me the importance of lifting people up and not putting people down." Mr Prescott ended his tribute with a quote from his father's 1968 speech to the East Hull Labour Party when he ran to be selected as a candidate . "Comrades I hope I can help," it said, with Mr Prescott adding: "You did dad, you did." Others paying their respects at the service included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. Lord Prescott's coffin was carried into the minster as former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell played the Welsh national anthem on the bagpipes. Brown said: "For 60 years, this great city of Hull was his home. He served it with pride, passion and principle." The former prime minister added: "We will never see his like again. A man of the people he certainly was. In a class by himself, a one-off, one of a kind, but one of us in the best sense of the word." The service, hosted by the Rev Canon Dr Dominic Black, included singing by the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the city. The vicar of Hull ended the service with a reading from the bible and the congregation recited the Lord's Prayer as he delivered the final blessing over the coffin. Dr Black then referenced the New Labour anthem "things can only get better", but added "sadly not", as he talked about how "troubling times are afoot in our world". But he ended with a poignant note that "there is hope, things can better". Lord Prescott was first elected as MP for Hull East in 1970 and went on to hold the seat for almost 40 years. In lieu of flowers, the Prescott family requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. John Prescott's funeral to be held on Thursday MPs arriving for funeral of Labour giant John Prescott in Hull Seven memorable moments in the life of John Prescott Alzheimer's Research UK Hull Minster
BBC News
30-01-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Prescott's achievements extraordinary, Blair says in eulogy
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has described his former deputy John Prescott's achievements as "extraordinary".Blair, who was among ministers past and present at Hull Minster on Thursday for Lord Prescott's funeral, gave a eulogy at the began his tribute by describing Lord Prescott as a "complicated man, wrestling frequently with the tangle of ambition and altruism"."He possessed deep principles, but was also determined to make his mark." Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister between 1997 and 2007, died on 20 November, aged 86. He had been in a care home living with Alzheimer's paying their respects at Thursday's service included Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and London mayor Sir Sadiq Prescott's coffin was carried into the minster as former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell played the Welsh national anthem on the said: "His achievements were extraordinary. "He was essential in designing the major constitutional reforms of our government, the Scottish parliament, the Welsh assembly and the first elected mayor of London."He pioneered the idea of an integrated transport system. Throw him a problem and he would provide a solution."There is not one of us who thinks of John without a smile." Other eulogies were delivered, including by Lord Prescott's son, David, who said: "He taught me the importance of lifting people up and not putting people down."Brown said: "For 60 years, this great city of Hull was his home. He served it with pride, passion and principle."The former prime minister added: "We will never see his like again. A man of the people he certainly was. In a class by himself, a one-off, one of a kind, but one of us in the best sense of the word." The service, hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, included singing by the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the Prescott was first elected as MP for Hull East in 1970 and went on to hold the seat for almost 40 lieu of flowers, the Prescott family requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
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The Independent
30-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
John Prescott's Hull funeral draws Labour veterans as Reeves vows third Heathrow runway within a decade: Latest
Ministers begin to arrive at John Prescott's funeral More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues have been invited to John Prescott's service at Hull Minster. Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on November 20 last year aged 86 in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimer's. Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service will include singing from the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the city. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK. Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 11:16 Full report | Rachel Reeves warns Sadiq Khan she will defeat London mayor's bid to sabotage Heathrow expansion Reeves warns Khan she will defeat London mayor's bid to sabotage Heathrow expansion Chancellor and the mayor of London at odds over controversial plans to add third runway to Heathrow Jabed Ahmed Analysis | Streeting's NHS mandate lays bare the limits of government ambition for the health service Wes Streeting's 2025 NHS mandate has revealed a stark truth about the government's ambition for the NHS. While the health secretary has promised to deliver on the peoples' priorities, his admission that the health service will go "back to basics" suggests that this may be all they're delivering on. Streeting's warning that the 'NHS must learn to live within its means' is hardly an inspiring message for one of Britain's national treasures – and campaign groups have already pointed out key omissions from today's mandate, such as a lack of national targets or deadlines for the NHS to implement sexual misconduct policy. With an increasingly difficult fiscal situation – and an electoral landscape that makes improving satisfaction with the NHS absolutely pivotal to Labour's success – it seems Streeting is gambling on getting the basics right, rather than making truly ambitious reforms for the health service. Millie Cooke 30 January 2025 11:01 Starmer sends condolences to those affected by plane crash in Washington DC Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to emergency services responding to the plane crash in Washington DC. More than 60 people are feared dead after an Army helicopter crashed into a commercial jet near Washington D.C on Wednesday night. Footage of the crash shows the two aircraft collide in midair before exploding a huge fireball. In a post on X, the prime minister said: 'I am deeply shocked by the tragic scenes coming out of Washington D.C. My thoughts are with all those on board and their families desperately waiting for news. 'I pay tribute to the emergency services for their dedicated work in such challenging conditions and I send the UK's condolences to the United States at this time.' Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 10:58 Labour's border bill to 'block migrants from claiming slavery protections' Labour's border bill to 'block migrants from claiming slavery protections' Sir Keir Starmer accused the previous Conservative government of 'driving a coach and horses' through protections for victims of trafficking Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 10:49 Streeting takes NHS mandate 'back to basics' in new war on overspend 'The culture of routine overspending without consequences is over', Wes Streeting has warned, as he unveiled a new, trimmed-down mandate for the NHS. The health secretary, who said he will bring the health service 'back to basics', warned that the 'NHS must learn to live within its means'. His new targets include cutting waiting list times, improving access to GPs and dentists and improving urgent and emergency care. In a foreword to the 2025 mandate, Mr Streeting said the approach will put 'the NHS on the road to recovery'. 'The last Labour government delivered the shortest waiting times and the highest patient satisfaction on record. It won't be easy, but together we'll do it again', he said. 'We recognise that this will mean tough decisions need to be made and local systems should feel empowered to make them', Mr Streeting warned. "The culture of routine overspending without consequences is over." Millie Cooke30 January 2025 10:36 Labour Party pay tribute to John Prescott The Labour Party have said 'Today we say goodbye to a giant of the Labour movement' ahead of Lord John Prescott's funeral later today. Lord Prescott, who served under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on 20 November last year, aged 86. In a post on X, the Labour today paid tribute to him with a video of his most notable moments in the party. Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 10:29 Watch | Rachel Reeves grilled on past opposition to airport expansion over environmental concerns Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 10:19 Streeting says 'NHS must learn to live within its means' Wes Streeting has delivered a trimmed-down mandate for the health service today, bringing the NHS 'back to basics'. The health secretary said: "With so many pressures on people's pockets and the public purse, the NHS must learn to live within its means. We recognise that this will mean tough decisions need to be made and local systems should feel empowered to make them.' Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 10:10 Watch | Rachel Reeves warns UK 'losing market share' without Heathrow expansion Jabed Ahmed30 January 2025 09:59
The Independent
29-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Starmer lauds Prescott's ‘tenacity and vision' ahead of ex-deputy PM's funeral
Sir Keir Starmer has praised John Prescott for his 'tenacity and vision' as well as his 'fighting spirit' ahead of the former deputy prime minister's funeral service. More than 300 family members, friends and colleagues have been invited to the service at Hull Minster. Senior figures from the past and current Labour governments are expected to attend. Since his death, I have been moved to hear countless people relate their stories of John - tales of characteristic generosity, humour and charisma Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Lord Prescott, who served as deputy prime minister under Sir Tony Blair between 1997 and 2007, died on November 20 last year aged 86 in a nursing home where he had been living with Alzheimer's. Hosted by the Rev Canon Dominic Black, the service will include singing from the Choral-Hull children's choir, made up from pupils across the city. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK. The Prime Minister said Lord Prescott will be remembered as a 'man who stood up for working people' and 'fought for what he believed in'. Sir Keir said: 'John Prescott's funeral is a moment to reflect on his legacy alongside those that loved him most. 'Since his death, I have been moved to hear countless people relate their stories of John – tales of characteristic generosity, humour and charisma. 'Amongst the public, it's clear that he had legendary status. We have his tenacity and vision to thank for that early action on climate change, regional inequality, the minimum wage, and public transport. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 'He was held in huge affection by people across the country who admired his straightforward authenticity and knew that he would always have their back. 'His place in our history is assured – not, as he expected, for that one famous moment, but for his fighting spirit across an entire lifetime of service. 'He will be remembered as a man who stood up for working people, fought for what he believed in, and changed our nation for the better. 'We have his tenacity and vision to thank for that early action on climate change, regional inequality, the minimum wage, and public transport. 'This is a day to give thanks for a remarkable life well lived. 'I know many people will be raising a glass to John today.' A former trade union activist and merchant seaman, Lord Prescott served as MP for Hull East for 40 years before he was ennobled in 2010. As deputy prime minister, he oversaw the environment, transport and the regions, a brief which included helping to negotiate the international Kyoto Protocol on climate change, while acting as a mediator in the often turbulent relationship between Sir Tony and then-chancellor Gordon Brown. A former boxer, he was also remembered by many for punching a protester who threw an egg at him during an election campaign visit to North Wales in 2001. Paying tribute to Lord Prescott in November, Sir Tony described him as 'one of the most talented people I ever encountered in politics' and 'one of the most committed and loyal, and definitely the most unusual'. Mr Brown, Sir Tony's successor in Number 10, said Lord Prescott was 'key to holding the ring and keeping things together during difficult times such as over Iraq'.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Prescott's funeral to be held on Thursday
The funeral of former deputy prime minister and Hull East MP John Prescott will take place on Thursday. The service will be held at Hull Minster at 12:00 GMT, and the family said it would be an invitation-only ceremony. Lord Prescott died on 20 November, aged 86. He had been in a care home, living with Alzheimer's disease. In a statement, his family said: "We wish to thank everyone for their love and support on the passing of our husband, father and grandfather." Lord Prescott was first elected as MP for Hull East in 1970 and went on to hold the seat for almost 40 years. He was deputy leader of the Labour Party between 1997 and 2007 and held housing, local and regional government and environment briefs. He is remembered by many for getting into a scuffle with a protester who threw an egg at him during the 2001 general election campaign. Lord Prescott's widow Pauline and his sons David and Johnathan said they had invited more than 300 family, friends and colleagues to the funeral to "pay their respects to a man who played a pivotal role in shaping modern British politics". Choral-Hull, a choir made up of children from across the city, will sing at the service. "To hear so many wonderful tributes from people who knew John has been a great source of comfort to us as we dealt with our grief," the family statement said. "We hope the service will be an opportunity to celebrate his life and his love of Hull and its people." Hull City Council said a number of roads would be closed on the day, between 08:30 and 16:00 GMT. These include Lowgate, Market Place, North Church Side, South Church Side, Vicar Lane, Dagger Lane, King Street, Posterngate, Fish Street, Prince Street, Trinity House Lane, Silver Street, Scale Lane and Liberty Lane. There is due to be a further closure of Lowgate on Wednesday between 20:00 and 00:00 GMT to allow the installation of traffic management measures. The road will also be closed on Thursday between 20:00 and 00:00 GMT so the restrictions can be removed. Parking restrictions will be in place along South Church Side, North Church Side and Lowgate from 06:00 GMT on Wednesday until 16:00 GMT on Thursday. Any vehicles left in the area will be removed. In lieu of flowers, the Prescott family has requested donations for Alzheimer's Research UK. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. John Prescott: The political heavyweight who stewarded New Labour John Prescott: Political bruiser who played vital role in Labour comeback Seven memorable moments in the life of John Prescott Hull Minster Alzheimer's Research UK
