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 Awards are an important and unique initiative and play a very significant role in helping appreciate and celebrate this diversity.

I am delighted that Khalid Darr is working so closely with both myself and my Government to help identify ways to ensure an all inclusive society in Britain. Khalid has done some great work in recognizing our unsung heroes and my own Government has been able to use this intellectual capital to help build a better future for Britain.

Khalid Darr and I 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 thank him for all his hard work.

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