The recent passing of John Prescott, the UK’s former deputy prime minister, has many reflecting on his multifaceted legacy. While known for his combative political style, Prescott also packed a surprising punch for the environment during his tenure, championing causes that dramatically expanded public access to nature.
Right to Roam and National Parks
As environment secretary, Prescott played an instrumental role in passing the Countryside and Rights of Way Act in 2000. This landmark legislation granted the public freedom to roam across vast swaths of open countryside and common land in England and Wales.
Prescott’s environmental ambitions didn’t stop there. On the 50th anniversary of the pivotal National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, he boldly announced the creation of two new national parks: the New Forest and South Downs. In doing so, he reignited the postwar vision of preserving Britain’s most treasured landscapes for all to enjoy.
John, bursting through official sloth, announced at the Labour party conference on 29 September 1999. This marked the 50th anniversary of Labour’s great National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act: John knew that designating these parks was a fitting way to keep the postwar ideal alive.
– According to Kate Ashbrook, The Open Spaces Society
Water Summit of 1997
Prescott’s environmental legacy extends beyond land access. Shortly after Labour’s victory in the 1997 general election, he convened a water summit to address pressing issues of efficiency and leakage in the privatized water industry. He gave companies a mere three weeks to respond with action plans.
As water companies face renewed scrutiny today, some are looking back to Prescott’s decisive leadership as a model. “Can we expect this government and the regulators to act with such urgency?” asks Ben Piper, a long-time observer of UK environmental policy.
An Unconventional Environmental Champion
Prescott’s reputation as an environmental champion may surprise those who primarily remember him for his pugilistic political style. However, his friends and colleagues paint a picture of a man deeply committed to expanding access to nature.
Looking at his many wonderful and humorous dispatches from Westminster, you could only feel connected and inspired. Larger than life and never short of words or wit, he will be remembered fondly as a politician who made a difference to many.
– Aidan Roddy, Dublin
As the UK reflects on Prescott’s passing and legacy, his environmental achievements serve as a poignant reminder of what committed political leadership can accomplish. The freedom to roam, new national parks, and a more accountable water industry all bear his fingerprints.
In a fitting tribute, Kate Ashbrook of The Open Spaces Society issued a call to action, “This year, on 16 December, it will be the 75th anniversary of the 1949 act, and we have a Labour government once more. How will it mark the occasion? We wait to hear. It’s not too late to follow up John Prescott’s punch with a new deal for our splendid landscapes and people’s ability to enjoy them.”
As the nation mourns the loss of a political heavyweight, Prescott’s environmental legacy serves as an inspiring example of how much a determined leader can achieve for the public good, even in the rough and tumble world of UK politics. His fighting spirit and commitment to nature will be sorely missed.
