Politics
Labour MP Clive Lewis Swears Allegiance to King ‘Under Protest,’ Faces Legal Repercussions for Oath Misstep
Labour MP Clive Lewis, representing Norwich South, took the oath of allegiance to the King "under protest" for a second time in the Commons, facing potential fines or the loss of his seat for not adhering to the prescribed phrasing.
Political journalist @Journoamrogers
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 3:
A Labour MP had to take the oath of office in the Commons again after his initial attempt last week was invalidated due to incorrect phrasing.
Clive Lewis, the Member of Parliament for Norwich South, faced legal threats unless he swore allegiance to "King Charles's heirs and successors," as mandated by legislation.
The swearing-in ceremony is a formal procedure where Members of Parliament and Lords pledge their loyalty to the monarchy prior to assuming their official positions in Parliament.
Members have the option to take an oath with a religious text or make a secular, serious declaration before they assume their roles in parliament. However, they are required to affirm their allegiance to the King, in accordance with a statute established in 1866.
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However, Mr. Lewis, a critic of the monarchy, declared during his inaugural oath, "I am making this pledge under protest and with the aspiration that one day our citizens will choose to establish a republic through democratic means."
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"I solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that until such time, I will faithfully and truly pledge my allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, in accordance with the law."
On Tuesday, Mr. Lewis retook his oath in the Commons after being informed by parliamentary officials that he risked a £500 penalty and could potentially lose his position if he did not comply.
The Labour MP shared on X a correspondence from the House of Commons Journal Office, which serves as a documentation service, indicating that his failure to include "heirs and successors" in his oath raised questions about the legitimacy of his affirmation.
On his second try, he stated: "My election to parliament was to advocate for my constituents and our nation, striving to protect democracy and support human rights. I look forward to the day when all parliamentarians can pledge their allegiance in line with these principles."
"I solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will remain faithful and truly loyal to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, as required by law."
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Shortly after taking the oath with the proper phrasing, Mr. Lewis shared on X: "Having failed to pledge allegiance to King Charles' 'heirs and successors' previously, I was required to retake the oath to participate in the House of Commons sessions.
"Most people are dedicated to democratic principles, and I am hopeful that eventually, Members of Parliament will take an oath that reflects these values."
"He added that failing to retake the oath could have led to fines and legal proceedings against him under a 1866 law, and his position would be declared vacant, just as if he had passed away."
"This needs to be altered to allow Members of Parliament the option to pledge their loyalty to the voters and democratic principles."
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