CHINESE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Chinese community for the New Year and to wish everyone happiness in the forthcoming Year of the Rooster.

This festival has always been important to the Chinese community. By tradition, it marks the start of ploughing, planting and the earth coming back to life. It is a time to look back at what has been achieved and forward to future hopes, to celebrate friendship and family and to reflect on the New Year message of peace and happiness to all.

In recent years, these New Year celebrations have reached out well beyond the Chinese community. It is a festival which is now thoroughly enjoyed by many people from all backgrounds up and down the country.

I believe this is important. Festivals like the Chinese New Year help bring our different communities together and enable us to celebrate our nation's diversity. These celebrations also provide all of us a welcome opportunity to reflect on the positive impact of the Chinese community in Britain and your valued contribution to this country's success, prosperity and culture.