On Wednesday, 25th January 2017 I attended an event in the Houses of Parliament which celebrated Australia Day & Waitangi Day.
Australia Day, celebrated annually on the 26th January, is the official National Day of Australia as it marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson in New South Wales in 1788, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip. Waitangi Day is a significant day in the history of New Zealand, celebrated on the 6th February to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which is the official founding document of New Zealand.
The histories of Australia and New Zealand have been intertwined with that of the UK since their birth and we remain great allies with both countries to this day. Indeed, all three countries share the same Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II. The UK also shares deep cultural, economic and military ties with Australia and New Zealand exemplified by the fact that around 1.5 million British citizens live in these two countries. Our relationship with our Commonwealth allies remain extremely important as we leave the European Union and it is vital that we maintain these good relations.
The event was attended by many MPs as well as the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand and it was a popular display of all the two countries have to offer.