I am proud to be the Prime Minister of a multicultural Britain. I strongly believe that Britain’s diversity and experiences have brought tremendous strengths and benefits to our society. The Asian Jewel Awards are an important and unique initiative and play a very significant role in helping appreciate and celebrate this diversity.

I am delighted that the Asian community in Britain is working so closely with this Government. We share many common values - a belief in opportunity and enterprise, reward for hard work and the promotion of tolerance and community. We share a real passion for education and a belief in the importance of family.

I welcome the increased participation of the Asian community in public life and look forward to helping build on this in the future.

Gordon Brown
Prime Minister