STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS

Party leader expresses admiration for unique contribution of Asian culture to British life

Mentmore, 7 April 1997

The Natural Law Party yesterday extended a warm invitation to members of the Asian community to stand as candidates at the General Election. At a live conference call to Natural Law Party members around the country, party leader Dr Geoffrey Clements expressed admiration for the integration and stability of Asian communities in Britain.

His statement came after the Natural Law Party expressed the desire that Asian communities be fully enfranchised and represented in the governing of this country. Dr Clements added, "This is crucial not only for the Asian communities themselves, but for the whole nation."

Dynamism and integration of the Asian communities

Dr Clements said that Asian communities have a dynamism and level of integration that sets a valuable example for other sectors of the population. In addition to bringing cultural richness, the Asian communities foster valuable international connections in trade and business. Many Asian businesses have contacts in three or even four continents. This means that Asian businesses have a substantial and unique role to play in Britain’s economy and its international trade.

"In my view, the Asian business community can and will make an increasingly substantial contribution to the British economy. The natural connections that exist between Britain and countries on other continents can facilitate international trade that is very important to the UK economy, as well as contributing to the economic health of the mother countries in Asia," Dr Clements said.

The Natural Law Party recognises the specific needs of the Asian communities

The Natural Law Party recognises that the Asian communities also have specific educational, cultural and religious needs. This includes the very real concern that second and third generations are losing a great deal of their cultural heritage. The Natural Law Party believes that these needs and concerns are not being addressed by the traditional political parties in the United Kingdom.

The Natural Law Party stands for Natural Law, the universal value of Nature’s intelligence, which governs all the many parts of the universe in perfect order and harmony. The party therefore has a foundation that caters for the needs of Asian people while naturally integrating their communities with the rest of the population.

The concepts of Natural Law are often much more fully preserved and understood in Asian traditions. "Asian communities have a deep traditional understanding of Natural Law and its relationship to human life. These traditional values mean that the concept of life in accord with Natural Law is much more lively in their day-to-day life," commented Dr Clements. He concluded, "Life fully in tune with Natural Law means success, fulfilment, happiness, good health, and all good in life."