06/06/2007

Prescott treated for pneumonia

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is continuing to be treated for pneumonia in a high-dependency unit in hospital.

A statement issued by Mr Prescott's spokesperson confirmed that the deputy Prime Minister's condition had not worsened, but said that he had been moved to the unit in London's University College Hospital in order for his condition to be monitored more closely.

The 69-year-old, who is due to step down as both deputy PM and deputy Labour leader on June 27, alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair, has suffered from Type 2 diabetes for a number of years.

Mr Prescott fell ill on Saturday, as he travelled on a train between his Hull constituency and London.

He has rarely been ill during his ten years as Mr Blair's deputy.

It had been hoped that Mr Prescott would leave hospital yesterday. He had been due to chair today's Cabinet meeting, because Mr Blair is attending the G8 summit in Germany.

However, it has now been announced that Commons leader Jack Straw will chair the meeting at which new security measures, due to be unveiled by Home Secretary John Reid, will be discussed.

(KMcA/SP)

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