Facilities of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:09 pm on 18 December 2001.

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Photo of Douglas Hogg Douglas Hogg Conservative, Sleaford and North Hykeham 4:09, 18 December 2001

To build on my hon. Friend's point, once it is accepted that it is right to allow former terrorists or supporters of terrorists to become Members of the House—that is my view—should we not resolutely confront the problem of the Oath? I am a constitutional monarchist, but I do not see why my duties as a Member of the House should be defined with reference to the Crown. Should we not, in fact, re-examine the Oath, so that we have either no oath or an oath that does not strain the consciences of loyal republicans? I refer not to the IRA but to others who are loyal and committed republicans.