"Being different isn't a luxury, it's a necessity" - Öpik

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 22nd Nov 2006

At a Dinner promoting inter-faith work with young Muslims, Christians and Jews, Lembit Öpik, MP, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, will today warn against stereotyping and promote greater understanding between British faith groups.

Commenting before the Dinner, Lembit said,

"I welcome the excellent work of organisations like the Council of Christians and Jews. They work tirelessly to promote mutual understanding between British faith groups.

"We have nothing to fear in being different to one another. Without differences, we sink onto the mediocrity and tyranny of conformity. Differences aren't desirable, they aren't even just a right - they're a necessity."

In his speech, Lembit will outline his parents' flight from Stalin, his upbringing in Northern Ireland and his work as Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Northern Ireland to highlight the importance of tolerance and mutual understanding in British society today. Lembit will also be drawing from his work as a member of the Holocaust Education Trust.

Ends / Diwedd

Notes:

• The Dinner will celebrate 350 years of British Jewry at 19.00 on 22nd November at Salter's Hall, City of London

• The Council of Christians and Jews promotes mutual understanding between Britain's Faith Communities

• For more information about the Council of Christians and Jews visit:

http://www.ccj.org.uk/noFlash/ccj-frames.htm