John Prescott in hospital after suffering stroke

Former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke.

Lord Prescott’s family said in a statement that he suffered the stroke on Friday but is now “receiving excellent care” in hospital.

The statement read: “John was taken to hospital last Friday after suffering a stroke.

"We would like to praise the swift actions of the ambulance staff and the doctors and nurses at Hull Royal Infirmary's A&E and stroke unit.

"They have been remarkable and we can't thank them enough."

The statement went on: "He is receiving excellent care from the NHS but we would respectfully request at this time that John and our family are given the privacy we need so that he can have the time and space to make a full recovery."

Lord Prescott was Tony Blair's deputy Prime Minister between 1997 and 2007.

He was a Labour MP for Hull East between 1970 and 2010, when he awarded a life peerage in the House of Lords.

Lord Prescott last month reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party after its poor performance in the European elections. He said on Twitter: "Like millions of others, I voted Labour in the Euros.

"Just as I have in every election for the past sixty years.

"Never voted for another party.

"And I never will."

Labour's Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) was among the MPs who wrote in support of Lord Prescott on Twitter on Monday. He said: "Hoping for a speedy recovery. Take care John."

Danielle Rowley (Midlothian) wrote: "Sending thoughts and best wishes to you and your family John."

Tracy Brabin (Batley and Spen) said: "Thinking of you and the whole family. Get well soon @johnprescott."

And Tory MP David Davis said: "I hope @johnprescott recovers completely from this stroke. My thoughts are with him and his family."