Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s “bloody crusades” in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to the radicalization of a generation of young UK Muslims, ex-deputy premier, John Prescott, says.

Prescott, who was Blair’s deputy, criticized the ex-prime minister’s warmongering policies during an event last month, British media reported on Friday.

The Labour politician (pictured below) said Blair is “unfortunately” a supporter of regime change in the Middle East and that he “wants to invade everywhere,” adding, “He should put a white coat on with a red cross and let’s start the bloody crusades again.”

Prescott added that such an approach has resulted in young British becoming radicalized, adding, “Every time they watch the television where their families are worried, their kids are being killed and murdered and rockets firing on all these people, that's what radicalizes them.”

Blair did not give an immediate response to the comments. However, a Labour spokesman distanced the party from Prescott’s statements, saying “John’s views on this do not represent the views of the Labour Party.”

The remarks by Blair’s former deputy come amid growing discussions in the UK about young people leaving Britain to join the ranks of Takfiri terrorist groups operating in the Middle East, particularly the ISIL.

According to the British government, at least 600 British extremists have joined ISIL. The Takfiri extremists currently control parts of Syria and Iraq. They have carried out heinous crimes in the two countries, including mass executions and the beheading of people.

The Western states, including Britain, and their allies have long supported the extremist groups operating against the government in Syria over the past few years.

Last month, the militant who symbolizes ISIL barbarity was identified as Mohammed Emwazi,known as Jihadi John, a 26-year-old Londoner who  traveled to Syria in 2012, where he joined the terror group.

The young British man has appeared in many ISIL videos showing the beheadings of Western hostages.

CAH/MKA/HRB