EDM 701: Australia Day

That this House joins the people of Australia in celebrating 26 January, Australia's National Day, which commemorates the anniversary of Captain Arthur Philip's unfurling of the Union Flag at Sydney Cove in 1788, and the coming into effect of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 establishing Australian citizenship as a legal concept; recognises the strong historical bonds and friendship between the United Kingdom and Australia, reinforced by a shared language, cooperation through the armed forces, competitive sports, the arts, and bilateral trade and investment; further recognises the importance of the common heritage and special relationship between the peoples of both countries; and calls on the Government to continue strengthening the close political, economic, and cultural ties that bind these two great nations and Commonwealth members, who share HM King Charles III as head of state and sovereign.