London: John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister of the UK, has passed away at the age of 86, his family announced on Thursday. Prescott's wife, Pauline, and sons, Jonathan and David, released a statement highlighting his lifelong dedication to social justice and environmental causes, marking his 40 years in parliament representing Kingston upon Hull East as his "greatest honour." According to Anadolu Agency, Prescott served as deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007, playing a pivotal role in Tony Blair's New Labour government. He was known for balancing the party's traditional values with modernization efforts and was instrumental in mediating disputes between Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown. Prescott also played a significant part in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Prescott's political career, though marked by controversy, including the 2001 incident where he punched a protester, saw him remain a central figure in Labour's successes. Tony Blair once praised him for his "unique blend of charm and brutality," which was crucial in maintaining government unity. After retiring from the House of Lords earlier this year, Prescott had been living with Alzheimer's disease following a stroke in 2019. His family and colleagues remember him as a committed advocate for improving the lives of others and protecting the environment.