Tebbit blasts bid to axe oath

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Former Tory chairman Lord Tebbit condemned MPs who want to see an alternative oath allowing them to pledge to serve their constituents rather than the Queen.

A cross-party group of MPs are backing the call in a Commons motion tabled by Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes Norman Baker.

His motion, which has now received the backing of 22 MPs, states that their "principal duty" is to represent their constituents.

But the campaign provoked anger from Lord Tebbit who suggested the MPs would "rather be swearing allegiance to Brussels".

He told the Daily Mail: "This seems to me to be an attack upon the state itself.

"The monarch is the one embodiment of the state which is outside the political, partisan process.

"The people behind this campaign must either oppose the idea of anyone who is non-partisan having a role in the affairs of state, or they would rather be swearing allegiance to Brussels."

Mr Baker's motion, which was tabled in June, "recognises that some honourable Members would prefer to swear an oath of allegiance to their constituents and the nation rather than the monarch".

He called on the Government to "bring forward legislative proposals to introduce an optional alternative parliamentary oath".