Stroud activist in solar protest for Prescott (From Stroud News and Journal)

Stroud activist in solar protest for Prescott

A STROUD Greenpeace activist scaled the roof of John Prescott's home yesterday to lobby for action on climate change.

And the protest, which involved up to 20 eco-warriors, ironically came as the top Labour politician visited the Stroud constituency.

Stroud eco-activist Andy Taylor joined fellow Greenpeace members to fit solar panels on the roof of Mr Prescott's house in Hull.

The group also carried a banner that read: "Oi 2 Jags! Hit targets, not voters".

Mr Prescott, arriving in Stonehouse to back Stroud Labour candidate David Drew, was furious at the protest.

He said: "I am really angry that they terrorised my wife early in the morning - that is unacceptable."

The protestors, who stormed the gates and overwhelmed the armed police officers on guard, were still on the roof as the SNJ went to press.

Greenpeace campaigner Laura Yates helped to fit sixty square feet of solar panelling to the medieval-style battlements on Mr Prescott's roof.

She said the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had failed to meet its pledges on climate change.

"The Deputy PM's got a reputation for straight-talking," she said.

"But since the election kicked off we've heard barely a squeak about climate change from big hitters like him.

"As long as the average British house is responsible for six tonnes of CO2 every year he's not dealing with the climate crisis.

"He is in danger of hitting more voters than climate targets. Whoever wins on May 5 needs to get serious about energy efficiency."

Mr Prescott left Stonehouse on the battle bus to visit Gloucester but his proposed visit to Stroud was believed to have been cut short because of the protest at his home.