Michael Howard has paid tribute to the "hard work, ingenuity and determination" of Britain's immigrants.

In a speech on social diversity, the Conservative leader also highlighted the importance of language as one of the key binding elements of society.

He added that it is important that those who move to Britain to live and work should learn the English language.

And he said more people from diverse backgrounds where backing the Tories because the party had a "sense of fair play" and promoted opportunity for all.

Speaking at an election campaign event in Birmingham, Howard emphasised his own family's immigrant roots in Wales.
 
"My parents settled in Wales. But many people with backgrounds similar to my parents came here, to Birmingham. Many of them had to start again from scratch," he said.

"But hard work, ingenuity and determination have propelled them forward. They are a credit to our community and to our country. They have brought fresh talent, new ideas and a wonderful dynamism."

Integration

Howard praised Birmingham as a "truly integrated society".

"The people here today know that successful integration depends on the dismantling of the barriers to progress posed by prejudice and discrimination," he said.

"But it also depends on a desire by those who come here to integrate. 

"A common language is the most obvious binding element in society. Without it, it is much harder for people to be active members of their community."

He said it was important for immigrants into the UK to learn the English language and make contributions to its development.