Former deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott is in hospital after suffering a stroke.
The veteran Labour politician, 81, was admitted to A&E in Hull on Friday and is still under the care of doctors, his family said in a statement today.
They posted a statement on his Twitter account that reads: ‘John was taken to hospital last Friday after suffering a stroke.
‘We would like to praise the swift actions of the ambulance staff and the doctors and nurses at Hull Royal Infirmary’s A&E and stroke unit.’
His exact condition is not yet known, but his relatives say they hope he can make a ‘full recovery’.
Prescott’s former colleague Tony Blair led wellwishers in sending their sympathies to his family.
Lord John Prescott, 81, (pictured in Sunderland in January) is in hospital after suffering a stroke on Friday, his family have said
Prescott (left) served as deputy Prime Minister to Tony Blair (right) for 10 years between 1997 and 2007. They are pictured in an embrace as they celebrated Labour’s 2001 election result, with his wife Pauline (far left) looking on
They added: ‘They have been remarkable and we cannot thank them enough. He is receiving excellent care from the NHS but we would respectfully request at this time that John and our family are given the privacy we need so he can have the time and space to make a full recovery. Thank you.’
The former Labour MP last tweeted on June 12, when he commented on the Conservative Party leadership election.
He took part in a Channel 5 documentary entitled British Made with John Prescott, which aired in April this year and saw him explore the factories of four major food firms.
Before joining the House of Lords in 2010, Prescott was Hull East’s Labour MP for 40 years.
For 10 years he served as deputy Prime Minister under Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007, announcing his resignation within half an hour of Blair handing in his notice.
In a statement today, Blair sent his best wishes to the Prescott family: ‘My thoughts are with John, Pauline and all the family. Hoping very much that he gets better soon.’
Prescott took part in a Channel 5 documentary entitled British Made with John Prescott, which aired in April this year and saw him explore the factories of four major food firms
Prescott is pictured filming a Channel 5 documentary that aired on Good Friday this year
Prescott is pictured looking transfixed as he watches Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn make his keynote speech at last year’s Labour Party conference in September
A former trade union activist, the Prestatyn-born politician took up the job after Labour’s 1997 general election landslide.
During much of that time, he acted as a go-between in the often turbulent relationship between Mr Blair and chancellor Gordon Brown.
While a loyal supporter of Blair in office, in more recent years he became critical of elements of New Labour’s legacy and denounced Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War.
He has strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn in the face of fierce criticism by other figures from the New Labour era.
As well as a love of luxury cars, Prescott is well known for his temper.
He once punched protester Craig Evans in Rhyl, North Wales, after he threw an egg at him.
His family posted a statement on Twitter today following his stroke on Friday
His Labour colleagues expressed their sympathies to the Prescott family
No police charges were brought against him but both men were questioned by police.
Stroke: signs and symptoms
A stroke is a serious life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word F.A.S.T.:
Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
Source: NHS
His Labour colleagues have expressed their sympathies to the Prescott family, with Labour MP for Redcar Anna Turley tweeting: ‘Sad to hear this – wishing John well.’
Welsh MP Caroline Harris said: ‘Sending so much love to @johnprescott and his family today. We are all thinking of you and hopt to see you back with us soon xx’
Labour MP for Ilford North and member of the Treasury Committee Wes Streeting said: ‘Wishing John well – and looking forward to him being back in the tea room giving me a ticking off again soon!’
Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, said: ‘My first boss in government – get well soon John.’
Labour MP for Denton and Reddish and shadow secretary of state Andrew Gwynne said: ‘Hoping for a speedy recovery. Take care John.’
Former Brexit secretary and Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden David Davis also tweeted his sympathies: ‘I hope John Prescott recovers completely from this stroke. My thoughts are with him and his family.’
Blair is pictured whispering to Prescott on the first day of the Labour Party conference in Brighton in September 2000
Prescott, who was born in Prestatyn, Wales, is pictured with his wife Pauline outside Westminster Abbey in March 2007 (left) and St Paul’s Cathedral in 2006 (right)
As well as a love of luxury cars, Prescott (pictured outside Downing Street in 2007 ahead of his resignation) was well known for his temper
John Prescott’s political career
After finishing school, John Prescott avoided National Service and became a steward and waiter for the Merchant Navy instead.
Born to a Labour councillor father, he was a left-wing activist and a trade unionist as part of the National Union of Seaman for years before he officially got into politics at the age of 28.
He ran to be the Labour MP for Southport in 1966 but came second, 9,500 votes behind his rival Conservative candidate.
Four years later he won the safe Labour seat of Hull East, taking over from Harry Pursey when he retired in 1970.
Prescott’s last 10 years were spent as deputy Prime Minister to Tony Blair(pair pictured together in London in March 2006)
He remained a Labour MP for 40 years until he entered the House of Lords in 2010.
His last 10 years were spent as deputy Prime Minister to Tony Blair.
During much of that time, he acted as a go-between in the often turbulent relationship between Blair and chancellor Gordon Brown.
While a loyal supporter of Blair in office, in more recent years he became critical of elements of New Labour’s legacy and denounced Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War.
He has strongly defended Jeremy Corbyn in the face of fierce criticism by other figures from the New Labour era.
