Clause 68 - Attestation of constables
Police Reform Bill [Lords]
9:45 pm
Mr Norman Baker (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)
I think that the form of declaration would be robust without those words and would perform the desired function. The person who swore the declaration would be committed to acting with fairness, integrity, diligence, impartiality and so on. That is a satisfactory oath that meets the high standards that we require of a police officer in this country. Without being disrespectful, the phrase is unnecessary and undermines the Government's attempts to attract people who, for their own reasons, do not wish to take British nationality. If people had taken British nationality, they would not be covered by clause 67.
I did not table an amendment on the matter, but I should be interested to hear the Minister's comments.