Freedom of the Ards and North Down Borough for the Irish Guards

That this House notes the decision made by Ards and North Down Borough Council to confer its highest honour - the Freedom of the Borough - to the Irish Guards; highlights that this is only the second time the Freedom of the Borough has been awarded by this Council since 2015; further notes the exceptional contribution of the Irish Guards having proven their intense loyalty on numerous operations, including World War One and the Battle of the Somme as well as Iraq and Afghanistan; celebrates the close ties between the Irish Guards and Ards and North Down Borough Council shown in the fact that they are affectionately known as the Guards from the Ards; thanks the thousands of spectators that came out to celebrate this special day in the town of Newtownards and congratulates each and every Guard who has risked their safety to secure other people's safety; and encourages all to remember and salute the devotion, commitment and faithfulness to Her Majesties Crown epitomised by the bearskin and Scarlett uniform of the Irish Guards.