'Labour MPs should praise the government's achievements'

He said that while they were free to complain about the government's failings, it was about time they balanced these remarks by talking up its achievements.

Mr Prescott made the comments after a relentless barrage of criticism by former Cabinet ministers Robin Cook and Clare Short, who both resigned their posts in protest at the war on Iraq.

Can I say to some of my colleagues ... 'For God's sake, can you shut up for the summer and let me get on with my job' John Prescott

The deputy prime minister also expressed his opinion that Alastair Campbell, the government's director of communications, intends to quit his job.

Mr Prescott says he will be taking the reigns of power when Tony Blair leaves for a family holiday in Barbados, likely to be later this week.

'Talk us up'

But during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he could not contain his anger at those Labour MPs who have continued to air their grievances against the government.

For God's sake, we are coming up to six years - we've got a damn good record John Prescott

"Can I say to some of my colleagues: 'Can you start thinking long and hard a bit about what we are doing?" he said.

"'Can you say a little bit more about what we have done and a little less about all the criticisms?'

"Can I given them a little advice: 'Will they talk up a Labour government, not talk it down?'

"If they want to make the criticisms, make the criticisms, but for God's sake, we are coming up to six years. We've got a damn good record.

"I'm going to say more and more about that and those who want to get across and put our case to the media and try to get them to report some of the good things being down by six years of a Labour government."

Spin or substance

Mr Prescott, who has just returned from his own vacation, stressed: "I am back. I'm fighting and we are going to make the case."

But as Mr Cook and Ms Short continue to be critical over government claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, he added: "'For God's sake, can you shut up for the summer and let me get on with my job?'"

Mr Prescott was speaking ahead of Mr Blair's monthly press conference at Downing Street, which is expected to be dominated by questions about the death of weapons expert David Kelly.

As rumours abound about the future of Alastair Campbell, Mr Prescott acknowledged there was a debate about the government's "spin" machine and the substance of its policies.

Judgement

But as to the media chief's future, Mr Prescott said: "Alastair Campbell has done a tremendous job for the Labour Party ... and I am sure, as he has made clear, he wants to do it for a period of time and then leave.

"That's his judgement, but at the end of the day, a Labour government will not be judged on Alastair Campbell or anybody else.

"It will be judged on what it did, on its record in its terms of office in the six years."

He added: "Judge us on what we do, not what people are saying in the media."