David Cameron curries favour

Enam Ali has pulled it off again – the British Curry Awards 2009 – were sparklier, glitzier and even more celebrity-packed than before. The star of the evening was undoubtedly the man most people now regard as the Prime Minister-in-Waiting, the Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, who was chief guest.

Two thousand people turned up for the Awards ceremony at Battersea Park on Tuesday night for what is billed as the Oscars of the British curry industry. Attended by an array of famous names from show business, politics, sport and other fields Enam Ali’s brainchild is now firmly established as the annual high point for the curry industry, both for those who are involved in the business and others who just relish a good curry.

David Cameron’s speech didn’t disappoint. He pressed all the right buttons paying tribute to the enormous contribution made by the Asian community in turning the curry industry into a multi-billion pound business. He spoke about the Asian commitment to family values being the key to the growth of the industry and took a swipe at the racist British National Party pointing out that the achievements of Asian entrepreuners were a testimony to the success of multiculturalism.

Restaurateur, Enam Ali, who has carved a niche for himself as a feisty campaigner for the curry business, had a sobering message for the current Labour government and the Conservatives if they form the next government. In his speech, he warned that if there wasn’t a relaxation of stringent immigration measures preventing experienced chefs from Bangladesh and other countries from coming to the UK, it could be harder for British curry-lovers to find restaurants which can serve their favourite dish. He will have to wait till next year to know if David Cameron will heed his warning if he becomes Prime Minister.