FOOT-IN-MOUTH former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott walked into an Island storm this week — after launching an attack on alleged wind turbine NIMBYS on the Isle of Wight.
The Labour political heavyweight, known universally as Two Jags, laid into people on the Island who opposed wind turbines being set up near their homes, and council planning committees who uphold their objections.
But the Hull East MP reaped the whirlwind from his remarks as Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh gave him the 'hairdryer’ treatment in return.
Cllr Pugh said: "I am aware Mr Prescott arrived on the Island recently to have a few drinks during Cowes Week.
"It is a pity he did not venture beyond Cowes and actually discover the outstanding natural beauty of the Island, much of which is protected by national designations against inappropriate planning proposals."
The Island’s local authority leader dismissed Mr Prescott’s comments as 'ill informed’ and said the one turbine application turned down on the Island had been done in accordance with national government rules.
Mr Prescott’s comments came as his inaugural Age of Stupid awards — named after a hard-hitting environmental film which criticises people who fail to act on climate change — were won by planners in the Isle of Wight and Bedford where a wind turbine application had recently been turned down.
Mr Prescott, who visited the Isle of Wight during this year’s Cowes Week, said: "The first Age of Stupid Awards go to Bedford and the Isle of Wight — even when there were many people employed, they’d refused to have it.
"Stupid planning committee in Bedford, stupid planning committee in the Isle of Wight. We have to counteract the NIMBYS who say they want change but not in their back yard."
Cllr Pugh added: "As Mr Prescott is unwilling to visit the Isle of Wight properly, I am pleased to return the Age of Stupid award to him in recognition of the carbon footprint from his two Jaguars."
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk