Sir James Duddridge KCMG, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, joined with the Mayor of the City of Southend, Cllr Kevin Robinson, Anna Firth, Member of Parliament for Southend West and pupils from St Helen’s Catholic Primary School, for the raising of the Commonwealth Flag for Peace.
Commonwealth Day celebrates cooperation between fifty-six nations bound by shared heritage and values. As the first Commonwealth Day following the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III, this year’s theme focuses on forging a sustainable and peaceful common future.
All cities across the United Kingdom received the Commonwealth Flag for Peace to raise on Commonwealth Day and to mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which sets out the values and aspirations that unite the Commonwealth.
Sir James has long been a dedicated advocate for the Commonwealth, serving as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commonwealth Association UK Branch from 2017 to 2018. To date, Sir James has visited thirty-two of the fifty-six Commonwealth Nations, and hopes to visit the newest member, Togo, later this year.
Commenting after the raising of the Commonwealth Flag for Peace, Sir James said:
“On Commonwealth Day we come together across the globe to celebrate the strength of our family of nations and once again reaffirm our commitment to the shared values of prosperity, democracy and peace.”
