Lib Dem MP in challenge to Oath of Allegiance

12.17.17pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Aug 2008

Norman Baker MP wants an optional alternative oath of allegiance

Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Baker, has tabled a motion to Parliament calling for an alternative to the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen. And human rights lawyer Louise Christian is representing the campaign group "Republic" in its planned legal challenge to the oath. After election, MPs must swear an oath of allegiance "to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors" or take a "solemn affirmation", in which they pledge to do the same, but without the words "I swear by Almighty God".

The motion proposed by Mr Baker says that "some honourable members would prefer to swear an oath of allegiance to their constituents and the nation rather than the monarch" and calls for an optional alternative to be brought forward.

There have been previous protests against the oath - the Labour MP and former sports minister Tony Banks crossed his fingers as he read out his pledge and Sinn Fein members' refusal to take the oath means they are unable to take their seats in Parliament