Prescott prefers to talk with the hand

Published on Sunday 5 October 2008 22:44

HE IS renowned for his somewhat colourful approach to politics, so when John Prescott encountered a group of SNP activists at a Glasgow train station he didn't disappoint onlookers.

Rather than engaging in a political sparring match with his rivals, the former deputy prime minister decided to convey his feelings with a two-fingered salute.

SNP members had gathered at Glasgow's Central station to wave off the victor of the Glasgow East by-election, John Mason, who overturned a Labour majority of 13,507 to win his seat by 365 votes, as he set off to start his job in Westminster yesterday afternoon.

And Mr Prescott made his feelings quite clear when he raised his fingers to the SNP group as he walked past.

An SNP spokesman said: "Maybe Mr Prescott was upset at the news Peter Mandelson has been brought back to help Gordon Brown's ailing government whilst having to witness the results of how popular and successful the SNP government has become in Scotland."

Mr Prescott, who hit the headlines in the 2001 general election campaign when he punched a man who threw an egg at him, has said he will stand down as an MP for Hull at the next election.