Sir Keir Starmer has hailed John Prescott’s “fighting spirit” ahead of the former deputy prime minister’s funeral.
Labour grandees, government ministers and MPs, prominent party supporters and trade union leaders are gathering today for the service in Hull Minister.
Lord Prescott, who died on 20 November aged 86, was MP for Hull East for 40 years, deputy Labour leader for 13 years and deputy prime minister for the 10 years Sir Tony Blair was PM, between 1997 and 2007.
Sir Keir Starmer has described Lord Prescott as a “true giant” of the Labour movement, Sir Tony said there was “no one quite like him in British politics” and Gordon Brown said he was a Labour “titan”.
Speaking on Wednesday night ahead of the funeral, Sir Keir said Lord Prescott will be remembered as a “man who stood up for working people” and “fought for what he believed in”.
The PM continued: “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.”
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He added: “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.”
The gathering of the Labour family is likely to be the party’s biggest and most high-profile funeral since leader John Smith died from a double heart attack in 1994, aged just 55.
It was after Mr Smith’s death that Sir Tony was elected leader, defeating Lord Prescott, who became his deputy. It was to be an enduring partnership between Blair the moderniser and Prescott the traditionalist.
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Announcing details of the funeral, taking place at noon, Hull City Council said it would be a service to honour Lord Prescott’s life and legacy and would be invite-only.
The council said Lord Prescott’s widow Pauline and his sons David and Johnathan had invited more than 300 family, friends and colleagues to pay their respects
The family said in a statement earlier this week: “We wish to thank everyone for their love and support on the passing of our husband, father and grandfather.
“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.
“We hope the service will be an opportunity to celebrate his life and his love of Hull and its people.”
Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Lord Prescott, who had a stroke in 2019, had been living with Alzheimer’s in a care home when he died.
Hull Minster dates from the 1300s and is said to be the largest parish church in England. It was called Holy Trinity Church until 2017, when it became a minster during Hull’s year as City of Culture.
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William Wilberforce, the leading campaigner in parliament against the slave trade and another of Hull’s famous sons, was baptised in the church in 1759.
In the 20th century the church was extremely lucky to escape serious damage from the very heavy bombing that Hull, as a strategic seaport, suffered in both world wars.
The service is being hosted by Reverend Canon Dominic Black, vicar of the minster, and the Choral Hull children’s choir, made up of pupils from across Hull, will be singing during the ceremony.
