New Year, New Europe, New Future

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 21st Jan 2004

On the eve of Chinese New Year London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford sends her best wishes to Chinese people around the world, and expresses New Year hopes for us all.

Speaking on a Chinese Radio Network Sarah Ludford said:

"London, one of the world's most diverse cities, is home to around 50,000 Chinese people (and over a thousand Chinese restaurants!) and will I'm sure celebrate the New Year in style. Events in London's Chinatown and beyond will attract visitors from all walks of life and bring colour to our grey winter weather."

"I represent Londoners of all backgrounds in the European Parliament and a large part of my work seeks to secure a society that respects all its citizens equally, tolerating no discrimination or prejudice. This New Year brings us an enlarged New Europe, which must use its international influence to bring about a fairer world."

"I believe we need to find ways to work together globally to tackle shared problems, from global warming to current threats like SARS, striving for a future of security and freedom for us all."

"I want to send my best wishes for this new year of the Monkey to all listeners around the world."

Gong Xi Fa Cai!"