Martyn

John Prescott – a one-of-a-kind seafarer, trade unionist and politician Today, we pay tribute to former merchant mariner, MP for Hull, deputy prime minister, and honorary Nautilus member John Prescott. A proud trade unionist, John was a tireless advocate for the UK shipping industry and the welfare of British seafarers and played a key role in advocating for jobs and training for maritime professionals. Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said: ‘I had the privilege to work with John in the 1990s as he led the shadow transport team. Together with Joan Walley MP, the shadow shipping minister, we developed ‘Full Steam Ahead’, the Labour Party’s shipping policy, which went on to heavily influence the shape of government policy when Labour won a landslide in 1997. ‘John was a brilliant strategist, a force of nature, and so passionate about rejuvenating the UK shipping industry and jobs and training for UK seafarers. Without him we would not have had the Tonnage Tax or SMarT funding. We owe him our immense gratitude, and the Council of the Union awarded him Honorary Membership in 2001. He was a one-of-a-kind politician, who will be sadly missed.’ Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones, especially his wife Pauline.