Brighton’s Green MP has picked up a prestigious award in Parliament in recognition of her work to represent deprived and minority communities in the city and across the country.

The awards, organized by the Patchwork Foundation in association with Mosaic Associates, Three Faiths Forum and UpRising, recognise MPs who have made a strong contribution to the positive integration of diverse communities into British politics.

Mr Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow announced the Patchwork Foundations awards at a ceremony in Westminster last night.

Newcomer MP of the Year Caroline Lucas said:

"I am truly honoured and delighted to have been chosen to receive this prestigious award – and particularly grateful to have been nominated by Brighton and Hove residents.

"For many people, Parliament still feels old fashioned and inaccessible, and there is a long way to go to address the huge underrepresentation of minority and deprived communities. As MP, I am committed to doing all I can to fight for support and engage with those communities, especially in Brighton but also more widely.

"That’s why I’ve been campaigning, for example, for an extradition system that respects human rights, an end to cruel welfare cuts like the so-called ‘bedroom tax’ and for same sex marriage.”

Announcing the winners from the Speaker’s House, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP said:

"I wish to congratulate the Patchwork Foundation for all their excellent work over the past year in encouraging the positive integration of deprived and minority communities into British political society.

"I also congratulate all the Members of Parliament on their nominations as MP of the Year.”

Martyn Lewis CBE, Chairman of the NCVO Trustee Board, Founder of YouthNet, former BBC/ITV television journalist and a Patron of the Patchwork Foundation who compered the award ceremony, said:

"I am delighted to be involved in a ceremony that acknowledges and honours the great work that many MPs are doing to help minority and deprived communities across the country.

"It was particularly good to see so many being nominated, and highlighting those who have done most in this important area of national life will hopefully encourage others to follow suit."

ENDS