Campbell Defends Prescott on Labourlist

Honestly, what a larf. How childish is this getting? It's give each other a consoling pat on the back and a big bear hug day today!

"It's obviously becoming stand-up-for-oldies week. Yesterday David Frost on his 70th birthday. Today another veteran into his eighth decade on the planet in the form of John Prescott.

John is of course perfectly good at standing up for himself, as anyone who followed 2001 election visits to North Wales will remember. But in an era when politicians tend to get coverage for all the wrong things, I thought the story in The Sun yesterday naming John as Britain's laziest MP was a particularly bad example.

At his age, and having stepped down from his position as Deputy Prime Minister when Tony Blair resigned, I think most people would consider him entitled to take it a bit easier. But from what I can tell he hasn't. People can have all sorts of differences of opinion over policy, beliefs and modus operandi (it's Latin, John) not to mention in John's case his ability to mangle the English language, and there are those who will never get beyond 'two Jags' and an affair"

Perhaps at Mr Prescotts age, he should retire if he can't handle his full responsibilities for the job he is paid to do :

Has spoken in 0 debates in the last year — well below average amongst MPs.

Has received answers to 0 written questions in the last year — well below average amongst MPs.

Is a member of 0 select committee (0 as chair).

Replied within 2 or 3 weeks to a low number of messages sent via WriteToThem.com during 2007, according to constituents.

Has voted in 48% of votes in parliament with this affiliation — well below average amongst MPs. (From Public Whip)

Claimed Expenses :£141,644 

If Mr Prescott did do his job properly he might not have time to start childish nasty campaigns about members of the opposition and tabloids like The Sun wouldn't start digging the dirt on him.

He's only got himself to blame and Mr Campbell is hardly in a position to defend anyone!