While President Bush was branded the "Toxic Texan" by Labour backbenchers in the Commons yesterday for rejecting the Kyoto treaty, deputy prime minister John Prescott faced criticism of his negotiating skills from the opposition benches.

The Conservative environment spokesman, Archie Norman, claimed that the protocol was "in disarray", that his actions caused the collapse of talks in the Hague, and that his attempts at negotiations were considered "ridiculous" by the US.

Labour MP Nigel Griffiths drew attention to a protest rally planned for May 5, and a campaign aimed at persuading Coca-Cola to influence Bush, whom the company has supported.