Britain's elected MP of Chinese origin delivers maiden speech in Parliament

LONDON -- Britain's first ever elected member of parliament (MP) of Chinese origin made history Tuesday with his debut speech in the House of Commons.

Alan Mak, 31, delivered his maiden speech during a major debate about the proposed British referendum to determine whether the country should remain as a member of the European Union (EU) or leave.

He was elected as a Conservative MP on May 7 to represent the constituency of Havant in southern England.

Mak was born in Britain and spent his early years in the city of York where his China-born parents ran a take-away food shop.

In his speech Tuesday he spoke of how his father inspired him to go into public service.

Addressing fellow MPs, Mak said of his father: "He was more used to standing at the back of all the rooms he was in. He worked as a waiter and bartender standing at the back of restaurants. It was tough work but allowed him to save up to buy a small shop up in Yorkshire with my mother. We lived above our shop and much of my childhood was spent working in it.

"That jump from the back of the room to the front of the room, from the shop floor to the floor of this house sums up the spirit of opportunity my family cherished, and which we must safeguard for future generations."

Referring to the purpose of the debate Mak added: "Whatever the British people decide in the referendum we must maintain our status as an outward looking nation, working with our partners in Europe, but also strengthening our ties with the growing and exciting economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America."

"My parents taught me not only have to serve people from all walks of life," he said, adding that they also instilled in him an enduring faith in the enormous possibilities in Britain.

"In many places a seat in Parliament is only open to the rich and powerful, but we are all privileged to live in a country where anyone, even a family of modest shopkeepers can stand tall and achieve their dreams."

He said he was proud to be the first MP of any political party of Chinese origin to enter Britain's House of Commons.

Mak was the first member of his family to enter university, studying law and gaining a degree from Cambridge University, eventually running his own legal business.