AUSTRALIA DAY

That this House joins the people of Australia in celebrating 26 January, marking Australia's National Day, commemorating the anniversary of the day on which Captain Arthur Philip in 1788 unfurled the Union Flag at Sydney Cove; recognises the strong historical bonds and friendship that exist between the United Kingdom and Australia, which is 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 countries; and calls on the Government to continue to work to strengthen the close political, economic and cultural ties that bind together these two great nations and Commonwealth members who share HM Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State and Sovereign.