Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hanna in protest at allegiance to Queen
MP hits out at Commons rule for taking seat
THE SDLP’S Claire Hanna has held a “respectful protest” about the requirement for MPS to pledge allegiance to the Queen.
She wrote to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to raise concerns about the pledge required by politicians before they can take seats in the Commons.
The South Belfast politician said: “I submit this letter to you to register a respectful protest against the requirement that I make a statement of allegiance to the Crown as a precondition for taking my seat.
“I chose an affirmation rather than an oath but the words do not reflect my outlook.”
MPS are required by law to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown before they can speak in debates, vote or receive their pay.
Some SNP politicians also stressed they were making the pledge in order to serve their constituents. Ms Hanna opted to affirm before outlining her reasons for doing so. Speaking in the Commons, she said: “I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. My allegiance is to the people of South Belfast in order to serve them.
“I’ve made this affirmation. My political commitment is to the Good Friday Agreement, relationships in Northern Ireland, between north and south of Ireland and between these islands based on mutual respect and co-operation.” After reiterating her commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, she added: “I do not believe it serves trust in Parliament for MPS to be obliged to rehearse pledges that are not true for them.
“I believe a better pledge would be one to parliamentary service on behalf of our constituents, with an allegiance pledge for those who wish to make one.”
The SNP’S Gavin Newlands said he was affirming in order to “serve my constituents” while his colleague Mhairi Black made the pledge “for the purpose of the job”.