John Prescott (Nov 2006 photo)

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has condemned the manner in which Iraq's former leader Saddam Hussein was put to death.

Mr. Prescott said Tuesday the taunting and baiting that accompanied Saddam's execution was "deplorable." He said those responsible should be punished.

The British official said regardless of what views one holds of capital punishment, no one can endorse the manner in which the former Iraqi dictator was executed.

Mr. Prescott was referring to leaked video footage showing witnesses chanting and telling the former Iraqi leader to go to hell as he was about to be hanged.

Brtitish Prime Minister Tony Blair, on vacation in Florida, has not spoken publicly about Saddam Hussein's execution.