MPs want to ditch historic oath to Queen.

A group of MPs is calling for the oath of allegiance to the Queen to be
scrapped.

By Laura Clout
Last Updated: 1:33AM BST 08 Aug 2008

The 22 MPs want the Commons and the Lords to be allowed to swear
allegiance to their constituents and the nation rather than to the
monarch.

The cross-party group, led by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker, says
MPs' "principal duty" should be to the people who elected them.

The unofficial campaign caused dismay among Royalist MPs, one of whom
accused the group of "constitutional vandalism".

Currently, MPs must take the oath at the start of a new parliament,
swearing on a bible or an equivalent sacred text.

Much amended down the centuries, the current wording is: "I [name] swear
by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So
help me God."

Those with no religion, or those like Quakers whose religion makes oaths
objectionable, are able to affirm.

The coalition is campaigning for an alternative oath allowing MPs to,
"swear allegiance to their constituents and the nation and to pledge to
uphold the law, rather than one pledging personal allegiance to the
serving monarch."

Mr Baker said: "This is a matter of democracy. I'm put here by my
constituents and it's to them I owe my allegiance. Taking the oath to an
unelected person is a nonsense."

Peter Bottomley, the former Conservative Transport Minister, said he
would support a proposal for the oath to be made voluntary.

However Geoffrey Cox, Tory MP for Torridge and West Devon said: "This is
an act of uncomprehending constitutional vandalism. The Queen is the
centre of the British constitution."

Republican sentiment among MPs has grown steadily, and there have been
previous calls for modernisation of the oath.

Tony Banks was caught on television crossing his fingers during the oath
and Dennis Skinner was heard on a microphone adding "and all who sail on
her" after the words Queen Elizabeth.

On another occasion the MP for Bolsover murmured: "I can't swear
allegiance to a Queen who refuses to pay taxes."

Irish republicans have always rejected the historic oath and so are
unable to take their seats in the Chamber.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/2519914/MPs-want-to-
ditch-historic-oath-to-Queen.html