A Labor MP was forced to take the oath in the House of Commons for a second time after failing to use the correct words on his first attempt last week.
Clive Lewis, who represents Norwich South, was threatened with legal action if he did not swear allegiance to the “heirs and successors of King Charles” as required by law.
The swearing-in is the process by which MPs and members of the House of Lords take an oath of allegiance to the Crown before officially taking their seats in parliament.
Although members may swear an oath using a religious text or make a solemn, non-religious affirmation before taking their seats in parliament, they must do so by swearing loyalty to the king, as set out in a law dating back to 1866.
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But Lewis, who opposes monarchy, said in his first initiation: “I take this oath under protest and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic.
“Until that time, I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and give true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles in accordance with the law.”
On Tuesday, Lewis returned to the House of Commons to be sworn in for a second time, after being warned by House of Commons authorities that he faced a £500 fine and the prospect of losing his seat if he did not do so.
The Labor MP published in statement was “valid”.
On the second attempt, he said: “I was elected to parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability to defend democracy and defend human rights and one day I hope that all members of parliament will have the right to take an oath of loyalty based on these values.
“I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and have true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, in accordance with the law.”
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Shortly after taking the oath using the correct words, Mr. Lewis posted on Common.
“The majority of the public is committed to democracy and so I hope that one day MPs will be able to take an oath based on these values.”
“If I had not been sworn in again, then, based on an 1866 law, I could be fined, subject to legal action, and my seat ‘would be vacated in the same manner as if (I) were dead,’” he added.
“This should change, so that MPs have the option to pledge loyalty to our voters and democracy.”
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