LONDON: Indian-origin British politician Keith Vaz named as the Labour MP of the year 2014 for his valuable work for underrepresented, deprived and minority sections of the country.

"I am honoured to have been chosen for this award. In my constituency of Leicester East, I work with individuals and groups of all backgrounds, faiths and races. For all groups to be better represented in Parliament, and the wider political process, is a positive and necessary aim in our multicultural society," Vaz said

Speaker John Bercow announced the Patchwork Foundation MPs of the Year 2014 at Speakers House yesterday, for those who have represented and worked with underrepresented, deprived and minority communities across the country.

Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party said: "I offer my warmest congratulate to Vaz on his awards this evening."

"Every time I visit him in Leicester East I see just how hard he works, and just how big a difference he makes to his city. But I also know how big an impact Keith makes on the national stage," Miliband said.

"For over 32 years, Keith has been a political pioneer and has consistently championed the diversity that makes Britain great and he is well deserved of your award for 'Labour MP of the year'," he said.

Simon Woolley, Patchwork National Advisory Board Member said: "The MP of the Year Awards not only highlights the work MPs are doing to better understand their diverse communities, it also applauds those MP's who are encouraging greater civic and political engagement."

"With many young people, particularly from black and minority ethnic communities feeling a huge disconnect from our elected representatives, the MP of the year awards should be a reminder to all MP's that we expect them to give voice to those unheard, and in doing so the whole of society benefits," Woolley said.

"The work done by their volunteers and the time they commit will hopefully inspire young people in all communities to fulfill their true potential," he added.
-TOI