Mr. Prescott, a former merchant seaman who is an MP in Hull in East Yorkshire, admits he doesn't speak "the Queen's English" but says it has not damaged his 28 year career in politics.

His comments are made in an interview with the Big Issue magazine, which raises money for the homeless.

John Prescott: "People understand me"

"There is always an element of snobbery but that's the nature of society and if you don't get your words grammatically right - which I don't - there's a bit of looking down your nose," he said.

Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris, who often pokes fun at the way Mr. Prescott speaks in Commons debates, is singled out for criticism.

"He's an utter snob isn't he," asked Mr. Prescott, the MP for Hull East.

"Here's the guy who has had the most expensive education you can have, was a Member of Parliament - and not a very good one, I must say - and, you know, he constantly makes that point.

"I must say it niggles me. I'd like to be able to speak the Queen's English but that's not the case."

"It might not have been the right type of grammar but I find that in politics people don't have difficulty understanding me.

Matthew Parris: Brunt of criticism

"I've been a Member of Parliament for 28 years so I think I have done all right without their snobbery."

The interview also revealed Mr. Prescott almost hit Chumbawamba singer Danbert Nobacon when he doused him with water during a music awards ceremony.

"For a moment it went through my mind that I would have like to put my foot on his bloody throat but the photographers would have seen it," he said.

"I would have been destroyed."

He also told the magazine he remains a republican despite being deputy prime minister.