Lord Paul is House of Lords' first Asian deputy speaker

LONDON: Leading NRI entrepreneur Lord Swraj Paul has scripted history by becoming the first Asian deputy speaker of the British House of Lords.

Though people of Indian origin have held ministerial berths in the British cabinet, this is the first time an Indian has been appointed to such a high position in UK���s Parliament. ���I am honoured,��� said Lord Paul in his reaction to the announcement.

He said it was an honour ���for a person who comes from a freedom fighters��� family from India. In fact, my name Swraj was given because this was a slogan of Mahatma Gandhi���We want Swaraj (freedom),��� Lord Paul, founder of multinational company Caparo, said on Tuesday night.

���It speaks a great deal about British and the British system of democracy and is also a tribute to the country of my origin (India). I am looking forward to serving the Parliament.���

The speaker or deputy speaker presides over the house of Lords session, sitting on the Woolsack, a large red seat stuffed with wool, at the front of the Lords Chamber.