Clause 68 - Attestation of constables
Police Reform Bill [Lords]
9:45 pm
Mr George Osborne (Tatton, Conservative)
Before we pass on from this clause, I want the Minister to explain why the oath is being changed. I disagree with the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on the matter.
The oath has long referred to carrying out the office,
''without favour or affection, malice or ill will''.
That is a poetic form of words, but it has been replaced by a thoroughly modern, new Labour phrase. The new oath refers to carrying out the office
''with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people''.
Why is it necessary to change a form of words that has served us well, and which reflects the history of our language? That change is similar to opting for the modern, rather than the traditional, form of marriage vows.