Prescott sings the city’s praises to the world

Mar 13 2008 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

POLITICAL heavyweight John Prescott has sung the praises of Liverpool at the world's largest property festival.

The former deputy prime minister visited Liverpool's stand at Mipim, in Cannes, yesterday to speak about how regeneration and private sector investment have changed Britain's cities.

Welsh-born Mr Prescott sailed out of Liverpool for 10 years when he was working on Cunard liners.

He told the audience yesterday that he was thrilled that the city once again had a cruise liner terminal. Mr Prescott, who posed for pictures with one of the Superlambanana sculptures on display at Liverpool's stand, said he was pleased to see the city's ongoing regeneration.

He said: "Liverpool has never ever lost its spirit, but it has sometimes lost its way.

"Not now. It knows where it's going – public-private partnerships, more people employed, confidence in the city. The fact it's European Capital of Culture completes it. Liverpool has always seemed special. It's a great city.

"For a long time, it was in the doldrums. There were a lot of arguments and disputes.

"Now you can see the regeneration and it's a joy to go to. It's a city with pride."