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Friday, 18 May, 2001, 14:33 GMT
Emails galore!
We have had hundreds of emails on the fracas in north Wales involving the deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.
Mr Prescott has insisted he was defending himself when he punched a protester who pelted him with an egg as he arrived to make a speech in Rhyl.
We asked: "Did John Prescott overreact?" Early analysis of our emails indicated that some 60% were in favour of Mr Prescott. Here are some more of your replies.
Adrian Freeman, Bradford, England
Why are so many of the people on this page so obviously Tory and Labour supporters trying to put a spin on this irrelevant event? Labour are going to walk this election with hardly a soul voting for them with any enthusiasm.
Tony Blair said he would not tolerate "Yob Culture". If that's the case then why does he stand by Mr. Prescott when he admits that his violence was a reflexive reaction? If violence is his first resort then surely this defines thuggery.
Mr Prescott's reaction was completely understandable. I would be compelled to lash out at anybody with such a horrid mullet hairstyle.
Taking a closer look at the "punch" footage, it would appear that this animal actually spat at John Prescott as he approached.
Navcha My only criticism of Mr Prescott is that he needs to work on his left jab.
The question is how long will it be before the Daily Mail stumps up the cash for Prescott's victim to bring a private prosecution action for assault?
Prescott should clearly not be arrested or forced to resign. Let us not forget that it was Prescott that was assaulted first. Let him apologise for his unfortunate reaction and ask the police not to press charges on his assailant. Tory supporters on the other hand will want to keep this one running and running in the hopes that the country will ignore the slapstick farce that is their manifesto.
I think he reacted as anyone would have in that situation. Just because he's a politician doesn't mean he doesn't have human instincts. Watch out Hasim Rahman that's what I say!
Peter Darrant, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK
If he wasn't an MP or deputy prime minster, he would be up in court
We will all examine the footage over and over and ponder the right and wrongs of it, but we do so from a very different perspective i.e. sitting down and not surrounded by a potential threat. Prescott's reaction was too fast to be reasoned, it was instinctive and there's little point in analysing it too deeply. I wonder whether, under the circumstances I would do the same?
While by no means a fan of Mr. Prescott, I defy anyone to have acted differently in such circumstances.
Seeing the footage and how close that protester was to Mr. Prescott makes my blood run cold. Yes, it was just an egg. This time. It could just as easily have been a knife, a gun, or a machete. A Samurai sword?
When will we wake up and realise that the 'pressing the flesh of ordinary people' demanded by the media is too dangerous and leaves our politicians too vulnerable?
Let me get this right, if someone throws an egg at me, I can punch them and the police won't charge me for anything? I don't think so!
John Prescott should abide by the same rules as we all do, he should also resign. No politican should act that way.
GC, Cambridge, England, UK Although I think heckling is part of the democratic process
I do think throwing eggs at the DPM is extremely childish, and I think
John Prescott was justified in doing what he did.
The man who threw the egg at John was laughing when John turned around. Clearly he was egging John on. John may have over-egged the omlette but I support his actions wholeheartedly. Nice one John!
Giles, London
Everyone knows that blokes of Prescott's age and background would have done the same thing by reflex. As someone has already said that egg would have felt like a punch. It shows how desperate the Tories are getting that they have to mob people.
Prescott was hit by a missile on the side of the head. Liquid (the contents of the egg) was running down his head into his collar. Who would naturally assume that it was an egg and not blood running down the side of your head? Certainly not me.
Graham Tudhope, Bristol
I think this is a great new way to resolve elections. Let's not worry about voting, hustings or manifestos. Just get all the MPs in a big field, give them assorted cricket bats, water bombs, rotten eggs and conkers and let them fight it out - one big game of British Bulldog. I'd pay to watch that. The last person standing wins the election and gets to screw up the country for another five years, or less if they decided to call the election early again!
What a shame that it wasn't William Hague that threw the egg.
If I had thrown a punch at the kids who threw eggs at me and damaged my car, I would have been the one who ended up at the local police station, not the egg throwers! However I think John Prescott's reaction was totally right. I hope this signals a change in government policy, and people will be allowed to properly defend themselves from now on.
Throwing an egg at someone's head may not be as innocent as may first appear. Eggshell in the eye? Salmonella if raw egg gets in the mouth?
I say "Go on John". You may not like his manner, but at least he has courage and commitment to do what he believes is right.
Julian Nicol, Harrogate
Mr Prescott is clearly not fit for the position he holds. Furthermore, the decision of the police to arrest and handcuff the protestor and allow Mr Prescott to walk away needs to be seriously questioned. I live in the Middle East where you expect the police to apply one set of rules to the people, and another to the politicians. We need to know why the rule of law has not been applied evenly to both protagonists.
I think John Prescott was quite right - I'm fed up with politicians having to pretend they're desiccated calculating machines. We need more real people in politics, not less.
Royalty are not allowed to behave like John Prescott, any politician will tell you that. Prescott can "talk the talk, but can't walk the walk".
Big Bad John - give him Jack Straw's job!!
Steve Hayward, Reading, UK
Was he right? Absolutely. When this has happened in the past eggs or tomatoes have usually been thrown from a distance lessening the impact and the violence. In this instance it was a real threat to his personal space and he acted on instinct. These pictures will no doubt be beamed all over the world and maybe make Brussels think twice about trying to take our pound away!
It seems rather rich for the Conservatives to condemn Prescott's actions. Aren't they the party who support the rights of victims?
To be hit on the head with an egg thrown so hard and from such close range must have been terrifying. I think his reaction was perfectly normal in the heat of the moment. I think it's also commendable that he's had the decency to admit that he regretted the incident. I think the media should focus on policy and not irrelevancies like this.
Only weeks ago the Tories were bemoaning the injustice of sending someone to jail that had shot an intruder in the back. And yet they castigate John Prescott for his not unreasonable response to being attacked. The Tories are making up their law and order policies as they go along.
Michael Huxley, London, England
If you are old enough to throw eggs at the politicians,
you are old enough to take a punch or two. Nice one John!
I think the real issue is the example that Prescott, as a supposed 'pillar of society' in a 'purer than pure government', is setting. Regardless of the fine print in the law which says he is entitled to defend himself (which let's face it, is not the case here, but that is another issue). If the voting public, who seem to have trouble enough behaving in a non-violent manner, see this as the norm, then God help us all. John, you are a thug and a hugely unpopular politician. Time to go.
If your average Joe, in full view of the camera, punched someone who had thrown an egg at him he would probably be in court on an assault charge. Two Jags was certainly provoked, but it does seem that, judging by past performance, the law is making an exception in this instance.
His punch was reactive and I have no problem with that. The fact that a leading politician can behave like this without self-restraint cannot however be tolerated. Sorry, he just lost my vote.
Mark Chevalier, Brighton & Hove, England
I for one can't understand how a lot of your readers can sit there and judge without having been in that kind of situation themselves. This is the Deputy Prime Minister we're talking about who must be under immense pressure, (yes, we all know we don't like his views but that is not the point here) and is in the middle of party campaigning. Stress levels running high, and obviously on edge whilst being jostled from side to side by a hostile crowd (nobody seems to mention their "bullying" behaviour). Whilst I don't like the man myself, I say bravo for standing up for himself.
I have read that often a great leader is one who does not over-react and panic when the unexpected happens. By that count I am somewhat concerned about Mr Prescott, should there be an unexpected disaster he has to deal with. Can we be sure he won't fly off the handle and do something rash when calm consideration is required?
I do not condone violence, but it is good to see that even this over-controlled cabinet still has at least one person with normal, human reactions, and responses.
I agree that many people would have reacted in the same way, but he is our Deputy PM and internationally this will ensure that overseas opinion of Britons is maintained. We will continue to be drunken thugs until this sort of violence stops. It is not such a laughing matter.
Jonathan Bates, Croydon, Surrey It is terrible that the Deputy Prime Minister of this country cannot go from the car to a theatre without being attacked. He was right to defend himself but where were the police?
I wonder if teachers and nurses who receive provocation daily hit back like this, what would happen to their jobs?
Do we really want to be governed by someone who instantly reacts to a difficult situation with violence? Surely our leaders should be people who think about the consequences, before they make a violent reaction. The image that I have now of John Prescott is that of a thug.
The action of Herr Prescott has brought British politics down to the gutter level. If he is still in a job this evening then Blair is unfit for office. If he then goes on to win the election then god help Great Britain.
James Elkin, Stoke-on-Trent
I think the events of yesterday have just highlighted the fact that people in this country are fed-up to the back teeth with all the shine and spin of modern politics. Hopefully the parties will take this on board and stop treating the public like a flock of sheep, we do all have our own minds! Mr Prescott is deputy Prime Minister and supposedly a statesman and therefore should be above this kind of thing. Doing that only fetches him down to the crowds level. One does not see the Prime-Minister or the Queen do this so why did he. Whether Labour win or not I cannot see Prescott being in the Cabinet now. He has now become a loose canon and an embarrassment to Mr Blair.
Ed, Cambridge
If you are not happy with the government's policy, then you can register your displeasure by voting against the government, rather than wasting food in public.
Prescott had every right to defend himself, and that egg-throwing yob deserved that left jab to his jaw.
The idea that Prescott threw the first blow is nonsense. Any missile, egg or otherwise, throw from such close range is a premeditated attack and it is not surprising that he felt the need to protect himself.
He certainly should not resign, indeed Prescott for Defence Secretary seems to be more appropriate!
Well done to John! Too many people forget that they are only human and he was just defending himself. You cannot expect him just to stand there and do nothing. Pity the justice system isn't as tough!
Richie Firth, Bournemouth, UK I think the whole incident is underpinned by other factors, for example, politicians only show their faces during high profile campaigns, there is little opportunity for everyday folk to express dissatisfaction in a direct face to face manner.
There appear to be many comments here condoning violence, all be it in 'self defence'. Most people would agree that it was particularly nasty to throw an egg at someone's face at close range. However if I was standing beside a policeman and an egg was thrown at me and I then proceeded to punch the perpetrator I could be pretty sure that I would also be arrested for assault and charged. Slight double standards here possibly? Politician or not, New Labour deputy prime minister or not, violence should not be portrayed as acceptable.
There aren't many professions where you are just supposed to take torrents of abuse as part of your job. Something had to give sooner or later. There is no need for him to resign, but he does need to take a long hard look at himself.
Amazing, a human MP. What is the world coming too?
A politician with guts, well done John.
It was a very human and honest reaction. However if a man in the street reacted this way he would immediately be arrested. One law for us and another for them perhaps.
James Hoyland, Guildford
Egg attacks are one of the most nasty and vicious crimes in Britain today. Poor Mr. Two Jags had no option other than to 'defend' himself from such a violent attack. Having been attacked by a hostile raddish in the past, I know how much Two Jags must've feared for his safety. I suggest in future he should carry a cucumber or maybe even a gherkin as protection. I sincerely hope that the 'egg' in question will be locked up for it's disgraceful behaviour.
John Prescott is a bully and he graphically illustrated this by resorting to violence. If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen!
As a teacher working in an inner city school, I work with many challenging students. If I had reacted like John Prescott, I would be in prison now. Are we going to have different rules for teachers and politicians?
I am no big fan of 'Two Jags' Prescott, but frankly what happened yesterday has improved my perception of him. Just because we don't agree with a party, policy or politician it does not give us the right to hurl abuse or eggs at these people. They are, after all, just normal people, and what Prescott did was what I would have done in the same situation.
Robert Todd, Barnsley, UK
John Prescott reacted in a very human way to the missile thrower. The most regrettable thing about this incident is that he should have head-butted him as well. May as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb!
I do not support Labour, but I think it's a sad day when a top ranking British politician has to resort to self-defence from attacks by deranged individuals. The silly fluorescent jackets that the police wear actually have a good side - it is now quite hard not to spot just how inefficient the police really are.
Well done John Prescott - surprise, surprise, the person allegedly involved is a "countryside contractor" - did anyone hear the shrieks of "stick one on him" from the assorted mob?
Nice one John, the pro-hunting attacker deserved a punch. But why didn't you react in the same way to the bucket of water incident three years ago? I'd have loved to see you go twelve rounds with Chumbawamba.
Harry Thomas, Wales
Watch his personal rating soar in the polls.
Prescott has just proved what a disgusting thug he is and should be sacked immediately. There is no excuse for his behaviour. The country is shocked and appalled - he must go.
Politicians are supposed to represent the people, and I think lots of people would have done exactly the same thing in that situation. I would definitely vote for John Prescott were it not for Tony Blair. I think we've had enough slimy, spineless spin.
Poor John Prescott! I would like to see how the average Joe on the street would have acted in his situation! And to call for his resignation is just preposterous. And really, Eggs? What more would you expect from the selfish fuel protestors who don't seem to give a damn about global warming?
Glenis Aylott, Eltham, London, UK
Well done John Prescott! This incident is the result of the slack approach that the police have taken towards so called "fuel protestors". If this was the USA that egg could easily have been a bullet. If the police aren't capable of protecting politicians they will have to look after themselves.
I think it is interesting to note that despite the television pictures which paint a clear picture of the incident, protesters are still being interviewed and giving a twisted anti-Labour view of events. I don't think there was any sort of set-up involved, but clearly right-wingers are taking advantage of an unfortunate event during which Mr Prescott reacted as most people would, with a blind reflexive action. It was regrettable, but entirely understandable, and while the police should interview him and the egg thrower given his day in court if he so desires, political capital should not be made of this.
And we wonder why the kids today do what they doż
John Prescott was in the wrong - and he knows it! To retaliate in such a manner shows that he is the wrong man for the job. Surely he knows that being in the position of Deputy Prime Minster, after the problems this country has been facing over the last 6 months, would lead to a certain amount of abuse - verbal or otherwise. I say he should resign, and soon!
Martin Brandon, UK Egg really didn't suit you John. You may have to take it on the chin yourself now though, but don't go. After another term, there could be a few less egg throwers about. I'll still be 'scrambling' to the poll booth.
If John behaves himself for the next couple of weeks will he be in line for free trainers and CDs from Tony? Seriously though, if this had occurred outside a pub in a town centre both parties would have been taken into custody, so why isn't John Prescott on police bail right now? Finally, I don't think this is what Tony wanted when he asked for hard-hitting, punchy new policies for the Labour election manifesto.
How certain are we that the man
he hit threw the egg? From some
cameras it appeared to come from
elsewhere. If so, John Prescott will
have egg on his face, as well as
his jacket.
Scott Mckenzie, Peterborough, UK At last Prescott has shown his true colours!
Politicians as public figures should display statesman-like qualities and take careful consideration before implementing actions. John Prescott however is not a statesman, is incapable of reasoned argument, shows poor judgement, and is quite simply an idiot!
Not the calibre of individual we should have representing the people, therefore he has to go.
I'm sure most of the people out there would react exactly the same.
After being in a sense assaulted, retaliation is probably one of our most
natural instincts.
I'm glad he punched him back, at least now we know we don't have wimps as
politicians.
This man is deputy prime minister and should not be reacting in such a mindless way as this.
More to the point, his security officers should be having their P45's this morning!
It is their job to stop people getting this close.
Peter, Birmingham, UK
I have only sympathy for John Prescott. I am a 41-year-old man, recognised by all as being extremely placid. I was recently attacked by another man. I defended myself, but did not strike a single blow in cold blood.
The Police were then called and told me that there was "no such thing as self defence", and that, as the man who attacked me had come off worst, I was seen as the main aggressor and was lucky not to be charged for ABH.
He should never have been in that position in the first place. If he weren't so arrogant and humourless, he would have walked up to the protestors and talked to them - and showed that, even though he disagreed with them, he was willing to listen and talk. Compare Prescott's reaction with Blair's patience and attentiveness with the woman who (albeit less physically) challenged him yesterday.
And yes, security arrangements do need to be reviewed - those two coppers guarding Prescott were gormless and useless.
Prescott, you've lowered yourself to their level, you're now no more than a Yob too. You should resign.
I only saw one person in handcuffs - he threw an egg not a punch, I assume the police were a set of handcuffs short. Being deputy prime minister should not put you above the law. Both men should have been treated the same.
Gary Dillon, Harlow, England Any doctor will confirm that receiving a raw egg in the ear can lead to a severe internal infection. Given the potential gravity of the situation resulting from the yob attacking Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister was well within his rights to defend himself, and I commend him for putting the yob in his place.
Oh, poor little John, did some nasty man throw an egg at you?
Jason Waldron, Manchester, England 'Demeaning to our national dignity'? 'Disgrace'? 'Never vote Labour again'? What a load of sanctimonious twaddle. Mr Prescott's behaviour in no way disgraces this country, and neither does it say anything important about the Labour party. All it shows is that there is at least one person in the public eye who refuses to be a passive target for yobbish aggression.
Throwing an egg might seem amusing to some. When thrown from one foot away it can be tremendously dangerous, basically like throwing a golf ball. I don't think he overreacted at all, having seen the video of the incident it was clear retaliation, and think about it this way, getting hit by an egg that was thrown that close is going to really hurt.
Nick Gardner, Worcester, England
Well done John Prescott. When a 62-year-old man gives a young thug his comeuppance we should applaud rather than condemn. You have my vote and the vote of most senior citizens.
Prescott over-reacted. The egg wasn't exactly hurled with great force. Brawling in the street? He should be ashamed of himself. I'm certain that right now he wishes he had reacted differently. Two Jags, you are the weakest link; Goodbye!
Even if he did overreact, he will presumably get Tory support after their defence of the farmer who shot gunned an intruder last year.
I am a die hard Tory. As much as I do not like Prescott, I think he acted in self-defence. I would have slapped the man my self. What right did he have to throw eggs?
Oh, A vote winner I think!
How heartening that some politicians are still flesh-and-blood human beings. In an era of control-freak party machines, where individuality is penalised and robotic obedience rewarded, Prescott's moment of craziness is refreshing and amusing. Personally I would have thought that the egg-thrower's haircut was in itself an incitement to violence.
Patrick O'Hare, Belfast
I don't happen to like the bloke, but I have more respect for him as a human being now, simply because he acted like a human being.
Oh, and no, I am not condoning assault!
An egg thrown at your head at such close range would have felt like a punch - most normal people would have an instinctive reflex action when under assault - he was quite right. He was assaulted and reacted. I don't see why he should be expected to accept close range physical assault by turning the other cheek just because he is a politician when most of us would have reacted in exactly the way. Missile throwing is NOT a legitimate form of peaceful protest.
Well done John to strike a blow against a supporter of those "caring" pro-hunt, pro-countryside fuel protesting louts.
It seems from previous posts that he's damned if he did and damned if he didn't but from most people in Oz, "Good on ya, John".
Well done John. But next time use the uppercut as well
and do a proper job.
I've repeatedly heard that throwing eggs (and other objects) is part of British politics and should be both expected and accepted. That is the real problem with Britain today. We repeatedly accept things that should be deemed unacceptable. Eggs, poor transport, lack of police, yobbish behaviour in town centres. Let's hope that this election raises the quality of life in Britain and does not lower it further.
Go John Go! Gets my vote every time! Who needs spin-doctors?
I am a qualified psychiatric nurse, and we nurse aggressive and mentally-ill patients, but we are not supposed to retaliate or fight back when we are hit by patients under our care. Prescott should be sacked just as we would be.
Regarding those people who say he should be prosecuted, were they the same people who said that the farmer who shot and killed a burglar should be released scot-free because he was defending himself?
Darren Ward, Peterborough, UK If a lout threw an egg at me and started taunting me, I would punch him too. Although I don't think much of John Prescott's abilities in his job, he gets top marks on this occasion.
I think that it is fantastic that we can rely on our government to defend themselves in the current climate. If they can't stand up for themselves how do you expect them to defend the country and the people that vote for them?
Prescott, was not "defending" himself as he claims. It was out and out retaliation. If that were on a rugby field he would have been sent off. John, try and restore some dignity to British politics and resign.
I would like to say that John Prescott acted like any other person would have. If you are subjected to sudden shock it is only natural to protect your self.
Tom Langton, Leeds, UK
What is abhorrent, is that the two protagonists were not treated equally. Both should have been arrested, or left to walk free. This incident shouldn't be allowed to dissuade Politicians, from all parties, from getting out of their ivory towers. They need more reality in their lives.
Labour now have my vote. Hats off to him for willing to stand up for himself against the bullies.
The film coverage clearly showed that Prescott didn't even think for a second before lashing out! Eggs etc. are part of the tradition, but does a fragile raw egg really warrant a punch to the face! He overreacted and anyone else would have been hauled off to the police station along with the other person involved. Goes to show labour aren't as squeaky clean as Blair would like to think: yes, he does employ thugs!
All of the people calling for his head can't complain - you attack the Labour party constantly for their 'spin', so don't complain when one of them acts in a totally spin-free fashion.
Well done John, so many people think they can abuse others and just walk away.
M Rogers, Liverpool, England, UK
Well done Two Jags. The loutish undemocratic "fuel" protesters in this case got it wrong.
Go get 'em Prescott! To see a politician act so decisively is a refreshing change to the normal dithering we have to endure. Protesters wouldn't throw eggs at any other profession and not expect a retaliation, so why should politicians put up with it?
If you've ever been hit in the ear you'll know how disorientating it can be. An egg in the ear thrown at such close range would have felt like a bomb going off. Then to come face-to-face with that leering goon - no wonder Prescott lashed out, his blood must have been boiling! He gets my vote of sympathy.
Andy Dunford, Surbiton, UK Nobody should be expected to put up with eggs being thrown at them. However, to turn around and punch the offender is totally unacceptable for anyone let alone the Deputy Prime Minister. One of the major talking points of the election will, as always, be crime. He must resign.
I think what is forgotten here is that Prescott was attacked, whether the instrument was an egg or not is irrelevant. Mr Prescott retaliated and hit the man who attacked him. In hindsight it may have been a little over-reactionary but when attacked, instincts take over. Leave the Deputy PM alone - resignation is a complete over-reaction to a situation which many would have replicated in the same or similar circumstances.
The guy who threw the egg is arrested - quite right - the Deputy PM walks away - quite wrong! A magistrate should decide whether Mr Prescott used reasonable force to defend himself, not Mr Prescott!
I'm sick and tired of farmers, who get cheap fuel anyway, feeling that they are justified in behaving like yobs, and that in some way they represent the 'general public'. Yes Prescott was probably wrong to hit the bloke. But it was a natural reaction having been hit at close range by a missile, when he had already been pushed and shoved. And let's face it, it was great to see that punch land. Good on ya John.
No one should expect to have eggs thrown at them in the street, including politicians. To argue that politicians should put up with such assault without reacting is against the principles of democracy and free speech.
The so-called law and order supporters, led by the farmer and the Countryside Alliance yet again show they have no respect for anyone and no one's interests in mind except their own.
Why should politicians accept constant physical abuse from the public? Clearly John had had enough and I support his human instincts.
I bet that's the last time anyone throws an egg at John Prescott.
Chris Power, Manchester, UK Politicians should expect eggs. Egg-throwers should expect a punch on the snoot. I see no reason for further action against anybody.
What a spectacle to see the Deputy PM brawling in public! I wonder when we'll see the Prescott v. Tyson fight? Or maybe Tyson doesn't have the nerve.
While we all have the right to peaceful protest, we only have that right because we live in a democracy. Attacking a government minister goes beyond peaceful protest, and in the absence of any police intervention, John Prescott provided a timely reminder that loutish behaviour cannot be allowed to mar the democratic process.
Martin White, UK There are times when "human and honest" reactions aren't good enough. I want to see responsible leadership for this country, not fist-swinging overreaction. With this kind of loose cannon in the cabinet of this country no wonder voters are disillusioned with politics and politicians.
Fred Micklewright, UK
John Prescott does not need to fib about his manliness or his ability to drink 'fourteen pints'. He is the real thing. An honest, working class man.
This just goes to show that 'old' Labour is not dead. This party had to fight against the establishment from its inception, and it still has to fight against ignorance, intolerance and self-interest. It will be a shame when they sack Prescott. Even though the man is in incompetent baboon, at least he provides some light relief.
The incident was clearly premeditated
and his reaction was justified. How
many more stunts does Mr Prescott have
to be the victim of before this kind
of harassment stops. If the egg thrower
had confronted him in the same manner as
Ms Storer, then I would have been more
sympathetic. Is it true his next opponent
is Audley Harrison ?
I feel very sorry that politicians are not able
to freely use our streets without this type of
abuse. I would like to call on councils everywhere
to set up a 'politician lane' on the pavements,
so that they can canvas in safety.
I think John Prescott was entitled to defend himself. This man was clearly provoking him. William Hague can get as much mileage as he likes, but I'm sure after his 14 pint sessions he got a bit punchy at times.
David Oliver, Towcester, England If "reacting instinctively" or "human and honest" is to hit someone then we are in a very sorry state indeed.
I believe strongly in the right to protest and heckle politicians if you don't agree with their views, but once you start hurling anything other than abuse you shouldn't start whinging if you end up on the receiving end yourself. No doubt Prescott will be removed from his position after the election, but I believe that he acted like many others would in the circumstances. He was certainly tough on the causes of crime there!
It's been said that the Labour party does not have convictions anymore. Did John Prescott misinterpret this?
Ian, Edinburgh, UK John Prescott has broken the law. He should resign. It's as simple as that. If you don't want to get hit by eggs you shouldn't be a politician.
How nice to see a politician that is actually
a normal human being. Well done John!!
Eric Timms, Eastbourne, England
Prescott is far from the first politician to be hit by an egg, and he probably won't be the last. His reaction was excessive, and seemed to me to be retaliation rather than self-defence. To claim afterwards that he had been jostled when the film shows clearly that he had not struck me as spin at its worst. Let the law work its course, and see if he is charged with assault, as any normal citizen would be.
I can only assume this is part of New Labour's attempt to "get in touch" with the voters!
I understand the reaction but I'm afraid position has to dictate a certain level of behaviour Mr Prescott.
How are we going to stamp out the thug element of England's youth when the deputy prime minister is brawling in the streets with the rest of them?
Paul, London, UK
Based on what I saw on TV - and not in person - it seems clear that Mr Prescott's response was not proportionate to the egg throwing. The thrower may be charged with common assault, but so should Mr Prescott. It would then be for a magistrates' court to decide based on the evidence of those present whether the punch was deliberate (seemed like it), whether it was in self defence (didn't seem like it) and the consequences. A community penalty would be the most likely outcome.
Politicians should expect eggs, paint and custard pies. Prescott is not the first and won't be the last.
And as for his "instinctive" reaction, do people recall the fate of the Scottish minister who hit a road protester? He resigned.
When I was younger I was told that people only start to fight when they have lost the argument.
I don't know that the Liberal Democrats can win the election, but with Mr. Hague being forced to abandon a walkabout after being jostled by screaming crowds, the Prime Minister meeting an ordinary voter and Mr Prescott getting into a boxing match- it certainly seems that Mr. Kennedy is winning the campaign!
Malcolm McMahon, York, UK Of course he was right - an egg thrown from such close proximity would feel like a punch, and he reacted. But where were the police to protect the deputy PM?
The damage done is more to Prescott's standing as a public figure than the heckler's jaw.
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