North Swindon MP Joins Local Commonwealth Day Celebration

On Monday, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson joined Stratton Parish Council to mark Commonwealth Day, an event which takes place across the world to celebrate the continued unity of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Commonwealth brings its nations together through peace, culture and diversity. The Commonwealth is made up of 52 members spanning six continents with a combined population of around 2.4 billion people, almost half of whom are under 25.

The network includes established economies such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as emerging markets like India, Malaysia, and South Africa, with trade between Commonwealth countries projected to be worth $1 trillion by 2020. The day also marks the considerable and continued contribution of Commonwealth countries to the UK and reflecting on how our countries can increase cooperation going forward.

Across the Commonwealth, including countries like India and Australia, the occasion is marked in unique and different ways. In Canada, the unity between our nations is celebrated by flying the Canadian Flag alongside the Royal Union Flag outside many public buildings.

On Monday, Justin joined Stratton Parish Council, members of the community and pre-school children to raise the Commonwealth flag in recognition of the day.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “It was an honour to join the Stratton community of all ages who have come here to celebrate our wonderful Commonwealth. It is a real credit to the parish council for organising this great event.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "As we prepare to host the Commonwealth Summit in London next April, we are reminded today of the unique and proud global relationships that we have forged with the diverse and vibrant alliance of Commonwealth nations. The UK has a longstanding and firm commitment to the Commonwealth and to the values it upholds, of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. And in hosting the Commonwealth Summit next year, the UK is committed to working with all members not only to reaffirm these shared values, but also to re-energise and revitalise the Commonwealth to cement its relevance to this and future generations. As we look to create a truly global Britain, the deep partnerships that we share through a 21st century Commonwealth can help us strengthen the prosperity and security of our own citizens, and those of our many friends and allies across the world.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: "Commonwealth Day will be celebrated across the globe, in the fifty-two diverse nations that make up this unique organisation. This year’s theme of ‘A Peace-Building Commonwealth’ demonstrates the relevance of the network in tackling the shared challenges we face. It is an organisation dedicated to developing free and democratic societies, and to promoting peace and prosperity: our doctors and nurses have worked together tackling Ebola; our soldiers are on peace keeping operations together; we have monitored successful transitions of power in fourteen countries in the past two years. I passionately believe in a Commonwealth with a strong and vibrant future. The Commonwealth’s next generation continues to inspire: they have the potential to drive change, innovate, and create an environment that improves the lives of people from Fiji to Malawi, Belize to Bangladesh, and beyond. Together we can prosper and deliver economic growth for all. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with the Commonwealth and to welcoming the Commonwealth family to the UK in 2018.