AUSTRALIA DAY

That this House is proud to join the people of Australia in celebrating 26 January, marking Australia's National Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the day on which Captain Arthur Philip unfurled the Union Flag at Sydney Cove in 1788; recognises the strong historical bonds and friendship that exist between the United Kingdom and Australia, reinforced by a shared language, co-operation through the armed forces, competitive sports, the arts and bilateral trade and investment; further recognises the importance of the common heritage and very special relationship that exists between the peoples of both nations; and calls upon the Government to continue to work to strengthen the close political, economic and cultural ties that bind together these two great nations, which share Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State and Sovereign.