Prescott says Iraq was “regime change”

The Telegraph have reported comments made by John Prescott at a fundraiser last month, in which he said that “we were wrong” on Iraq, and that Tony Blair “wants to invade everywhere”. The comments – made at a Stand Up For Labour fundraiser in Gainsborough – come as the party awaits the verdict of the Chilcott report, which will be published after the election.

The former Deputy Prime Minister is reported to have said:

“I was with Tony Blair on Iraq. We were wrong. They told us it wasn’t regime change. It was. And that’s exactly what the Americans have had. Now Tony, unfortunately is still in to that. I mean the way he’s going now, he now wants to invade everywhere.

“He should put a white coat on with a red cross and let’s start the bloody crusades again.”

Prescott also suggested that radicalisation of young Muslims is a direct result of military action:

“When I hear people talking about how people are radicalised, young Muslims. I’ll tell you how they are radicalised. Every time they watch the television where their families are worried, their kids are being killed and murdered and rockets firing on all these people, that’s what radicalises them.”

Early reports claimed that Prescott’s remarks were “secretly” recorded – yet it appears the BBC recorded the event. Why might these remarks have been publicised today – nearly a month later? We can’t possibly imagine.