John Prescott

The prime minister has given a lukewarm endorsement to John Prescott's drive for regional government in England.

Challenged on the issue in the Commons, Tony Blair failed to make the case for the reforms.

The government would await the referendum results to see what the public "really thinks", he told MPs.

Earlier this week, the deputy prime minister heralded the "historic" opportunity to reform the governance of the three northern English regions.

Referendums will be held next autumn on whether to establish regional assemblies for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

But during prime minister's questions, Tory MP Ann Winterton warned that the campaign for regional government "has been met by overwhelming opposition in the North West, cross-party opposition".

"Taxpayers know that they will have to bear increased costs with no increased powers or resources whatsoever, in addition to diminished democracy," added the Conservative MP for Congleton.

Blair said that people will have the chance to express their views in the referendums.

"Then we will see what they really think, and whether they believe regional government makes the North West more accountable for the decisions that are taken there or not, and that is why it is fair to do so," he said.

The prime minister failed to stand by the case for a "yes" vote that has been repeatedly made by John Prescott.

"I'm looking forward to taking part in the debate in all three northern regions over the coming year as part of our campaign," Prescott said on Monday.

However, Blair's latest comments suggest that he is seeking to distance himself from the campaign, and any embarrassment that might result from a "no" vote or record low turnouts.

Many see the issue as Prescott's pet project but believe there is little appetite for the move around the Cabinet table.