Clive Lewis MP, who represents Norwich South, used the opportunity to express his disdain for the monarchy and his hope for a democratic republic
A Labour MP staged a protest in the House of Commons yesterday when he was sworn in. Clive Lewis MP, who has represented Norwich South since 2015 used the opportunity to express his hopes for a republic in Britain, as opposed to the current monarchic system.
Members of both Houses of Parliament are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. MPs cannot take their seat, speak in debates, vote or receive a salary until taking the oath or affirmation. They could also be fined £500 and have their seat declared vacant “as if they were dead” if they attempted to do so. The same rule applies to Members of the Lords, reports the UK Parliament.
So it came as a controversial move on Wednesday, when Labour Party MP Mr Lewis took his moment to swear in, as an opportunity to speak out against the idea of a monarchy. Mr Lewis, who is also a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, tweeted about the incident, writing: “To be sworn in as an MP, you have to make an oath to the King. This is what I decided to say, in protest.”
You can see the full video below:
In the video he shared of himself taking the oath, he said: “I take this oath under protest, and in the hope that one day my fellow citizens will democratically decide to live in a republic. Until that time, I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, according to law.”
Mr Lewis’s stance came under fire quite heavily on Twitter however, as he was called a ‘coward’ and a ‘disgrace’ by many disgruntled commenters. Melanie Cycles wrote: “Meaningless virtue signalling. Either refuse to do it and stand by your actual convictions, or just do it as it should be done. But this isn’t a protest it’s empty posturing and virtue signalling.”
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Another X user, ‘Protect_ServeUK’ commented: “I’m sorry if you can’t do this properly you should be marched out, and told that until such time as you can, then you’re not an MP. Imagine police officers doing this during their oath of office’s ceremonies. Disgusting.”
However not everyone agreed with this stance, with some calling Mr Lewis ‘iconic’. Another person, Harvey, said: “The responses to this was so weird. Be a monarchist all you like, no need to insult Clive Lewis for disagreeing with you. Frankly, the opinion of a single backbencher shouldn’t affect you that much.”
Vik also replied saying: “Incredible comments under this. An MP expressing a political opinion and communicating it to the voting public while also clearly expressing loyalty to the head of state is merely “posturing” and “shouldn’t be an MP”. Do the public know what politics is?”
