On Sunday I'll be presenting the first of two special documentaries for Radio 4's Westminster Hour called 'Britain's White House', about the first ethnic minority MPs to be elected to Parliament.

To my shame and embarassment it wasn't until I entered Parliament in 2005 that I came across these three remarkable politicians - Dr Dadabhai Naoroji, Sir Mancherjee Merwanjee Bhownaggree and Shapurji Saklatvala (who represented Battersea no less) - who had been elected over 100 years before me. 

When they were elected to the House of Commons it truly was Britain's 'White House'. 

The election in 1987 of Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng, Keith Vaz and Diane Abbott had a huge impact on me, as I saw people like me elected to the House of Commons for the first time.  It seemed like a huge hurdle had been overcome - so it amazes me that more than a century ago the people of this country elected three MPs who were very different to themselves to represent them in Parliament. 

The first programme is broadcast on Sunday evening at 10.45pm on Radio 4, with the second going out on Sunday 6th September at 10.45pm.

These two programmes tell the story of these three incredible men, who unfortunately very few people have heard of - I recommend tuning in!