https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7el97z7rdo
The affirmation and oath of allegiance to the King was dismissed as an "empty formula" by Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Colum Eastwood as he took his seat in the House of Commons.
The Foyle MP made the remarks as he was sworn in along with other MPs on Tuesday.
As he declared his allegiance to the King, Mr Eastwood said he did so “under protest”.
MPs are required by law to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the crown and are not allowed to speak in debates, vote or receive their salary until they do so.
They could also have their seats declared vacant “as if they were dead”.
The SDLP leader lined up in the Commons chamber as the process of swearing in all 650 MPs began.
When it came to his turn, he said: “I read out this empty formula in order to represent my constituents, but it’s under protest.
“I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to law.
“My true allegiance is to the people of Derry and to the people of Ireland.”
Fellow SDLP MP Claire Hanna spoke in both Irish and English before she affirmed allegiance to the King.
She spoke in Irish and then added the equivalent English translation: “In friendship and in hope of a reconciled new Ireland, my allegiance is to the people of Belfast South and Mid Down.
She then said in English: "I say these words in order to serve them.”
New Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood also took part in the swearing in process which is expected to resume later.
What was once considered an awkward moment for nationalist MPs is now used as a form of protest.
Far from allowing his affirmation of allegiance to the King to be used as a sign of betrayal by his opponents, the SDLP leader now “owns it”.
He posted a video of the moment together with his protest on X, formerly Twitter, just minutes after leaving the chamber.
He even added subtitles in case any word was missed.
But despite his best efforts, it will remain a challenging moment for nationalists and a price republicans will not be prepared to pay for a seat in the Commons.
Enda McClafferty
BBC News NI political editor
Published
10 July 2024, 07:25 BST
Updated 1 hour ago
by Diomas
5 comments
More performative politics from Eastwood and the SDLP. I’m not sure which is more pathetic, him or Jim.
There’s a quote from HBO’s Rome I’m fond of in times like this. “That’s fucking Slave talk!”
I would argue it’s about time there was an option to swear an oath to serve the electorate faithfully or something like that.
I’m still for Sinn Fein’s abstentionism as it keeps work focused here but can understand the SDLP’s way of doing it.
The english need to remove this embarrassing outdated system.
Eastwood should step down – not because of this but because he’s useless and this type of performance is all he has left. SDLP need a new leader. I’m surprised he hasn’t been challenged internally.