On March 21, members of the Bahá'í faith throughout the world celebrate their New Year. This joyful festival coincides in the northern hemisphere with the beginning of spring and its promise of renewal after the winter months. To mark the occasion, the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Bahá'ís within Westminster hosts an annual reception on the terrace of the House of Commons. The group was set up in 1999 to work in conjunction with the Bahá'í community of the United Kingdom to defend Bahá'ís persecuted in Iran, and other states, on grounds of their faith. In addition to its work on religious tolerance, the group works with the Bahá'ís to promote social cohesion.

In a special message received from 10 Downing Street for the reception, it was conveyed that the Prime Minister believes ‘that the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Bahá’ís continues to play an important role in taking forward the Government’s vision of a multi-cultural Britain, valuing the contribution made by each of our many diverse ethnic, cultural and faith communities. Sending his best wishes to everyone involved with the celebrations, Mr Blair expressed his hope that "the Baha’i community will always find in this Government a friend that is willing to do all it can to make Britain a safe and fulfilling place to live"

RW