The diversity that people from the Commonwealth have helped create has enriched British life immeasurably. In our literature - just three days ago, yet another Commonwealth writer was awarded the Booker prize. In our music - this year's most prestigious pop music prize, the Mercury, was won by Talvin Singh. And in our sport - from Olympic Gold medallists to the captain of the England cricket team. The latter may not have won many prizes yet - but, with many of his colleagues, gives the lie to Norman Tebbit's infamous 'Cricket Test'.
Multiculturalism is now an established, an important and a welcome fact of British life.
And one which is a precious asset in the global age. We owe that to the Commonwealth. We should promote that fact. Britain will have a unique opportunity to do so shortly. In 2002, the UK will host the Commonwealth Games and Art Festival in Manchester.