London: Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel has been honoured here with the prestigious Asian Trader Editor's Award for her tireless campaigning to support small shops and convenience stores. Priti, the British Prime Minister's recently appointed Indian Diaspora Champion, won the award at a ceremony held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel here last night. Priti has supported the grocery sector by campaigning for tougher punishments for offenders who commit retail crime, reforms to business rates and cuts to red tape.

Speaking after receiving the award, Priti, who is also the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, said: "I am proud to have received this prestigious award, which will inspire me to continue to campaign passionately for small shops, independent retailers and convenience stores." Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media & Marketing Group, publishers of Asian Trader said: "This is the first time the much coveted Asian Trader Editor's Award has gone to someone who does not work directly in the grocery sector."