Oath Of Loyalty To The Queen
MPs have to swear an oath of loyalty to the Queen when they take their seat in the House of Commons. But anti-monarchy campaigners want to challenge this requirement in the courts on human rights basis.
There is also an early day motion proposed by Lib Dem front bencher Norman Baker proposing an alternative oath, claiming that “some honourable members would prefer to swear an oath of allegiance to their constituents and the nation rather than the monarch”. It has so far been signed by 22 MPs - 14 Labour, 7 Lib Dems and one Conservative.
Frankly, it is ridiculous. The Queen is our Head of State. She is also a constitutional monarch, and so holds no real power in her own hands. That resides in the Prime Minister and in Parliament. The Queen is simply a unifying figurehead and symbol of our nation, and her entire family costs us just 66p each a year, for a more than full-time job.
The claim that the requirement to swear an oath of loyalty to the Queen discriminates against Catholics, Muslims, members of other religions and atheists by requiring them to swear allegiance to the head of the Church of England, and presumably against repoublicans by requiring them to swear an oath of loyalty to the monarchy, is stupid. The Queens role as Head of State is separate to that of Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
When it comes down to it, there are no human rights issues over this oath of loyalty. An MP can - like the Sinn Fein - not take their seats if they don’t want to make the oath. And other officials can not take the job.
In these oaths, although the wording references “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors”, the meaning is rather towards her position as Head of State. It isn’t a personal oath to Elizabeth II, but an oath to the nation she represents. If they can’t see that, then there are, frankly, big questions over their ability to take any office where this oath is required.
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It isn’t a personal oath to Elizabeth II, but an oath to the nation she represents.
Then why not simply let them change it to reflect that and avoid any confusion?
(Frankly, I find the idea that my elected representatives swear an oath to the monarch to be absolutely worthless. They might as swear it to the Easter bunny for all the meaning it has. The Queen in no way whatsoever represents me or most of the country.)
Most people couldn’t care less what the oath says - so it’s only fair to let those that are affected (MPs) have their way.
Then why not simply let them change it to reflect that and avoid any confusion?
Because there is no need to do so. She is the Head of State and her heirs will be too. They represent the nation far more than any MP or government ever can or ever will, who will always have the majority having voted for someone else or not at all. And a minority will always oppose everything they do.
Let political candidates declare their choice to swear an oath or not before standing for office, and have the preference noted on any ballot sheet. The people can then decide on the value they place on the oath. Declining to swear an oath didn’t prevent the election of Sinn Fein candidates.
They represent the nation far more than any MP or government ever can or ever will
Only at an extremely superficial level.
There’s absolutely no reason to not allow changes in the oath. If MPs wish to swear to things they believe in it would hardly require a major upheaval to the political system.
If an MP doesn’t believe in the validity of the monarchy then an oath of allegiance to it is just a joke.
As a serving soldier swearing my allegiance to the Queen and Country is by far one of the proudest moments of my life. It also makes the oath worthwhile, as at least your are swearing to someone that actually benefits the country, unlike the drains on society which I try and forget about whilst serving the country!
The Queen is the figure head of the country and if people would have just a few of her manners or brains then England/GB would be a far better place to live.
These baffoons that call themselves politicians should think themselves honoured to be in her presence. These idiots can’t even keep the prices of daily household consumables affordable to those who need them; nor can they provide decent health services or roads that aren’t being repaired regularly causing more pressure on an already bursting traffic network; nor can they control the borders; nor can the differnt parties work together, setting aside their differences, to provide a better service - I think that is enough of a rant.
Finally:
God Save the Queen