Declares that there should be an option for new Welsh Assembly members to swear an oath or make an affirmation to the people of Wales instead of to a monarchy and/or crown; further that there should still be an option for new Welsh Assembly members to swear an oath or to make an affirmation to a monarchy if they so wished; further that this would provide a fairer choice for new elected representative which would be a better reflection of the broad scope of view in society; further that there is no requirement for members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to take any oath or affirmation but instead requires that members take a Pledge of Office; further that this proposed similar choice for Wales is important for Welsh political plurality and fairness; and further that an online petition on a similar matter has been signed by over 1,000 individuals.
The petitioner therefore requests that the House of Commons makes the necessary amendments to any present or draft legislation which governs the taking of oaths and the making of the affirmation to ensure that new Welsh Assembly members have the option to swear an oath or make an affirmation to the people of Wales rather than to a monarchy and/or crown.
And the petitioner remains, etc.—[Presented by Kevin Brennan, Official Report, 20 July 2016; Vol. 613, c. 927.]
[P001701]
Observations fromThe Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns):
The Oath of Allegiance sworn by Members of the National Assembly for Wales is a promise to be loyal to the British monarch, and their heirs and successors. Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly have the option to take a Pledge of Office instead of an oath to the monarch. This is as a result of the specific historic and political circumstances in Northern Ireland. There are no plans to change the requirement for members of the National Assembly for Wales.