Newly elected SNP MP Lara Bird has sparked controversy after apparently crossing her fingers while pledging allegiance to King Charles during her swearing-in at Westminster. She was one of three new MPs sworn in on Monday following by-election victories last week.
Oath gesture draws condemnation
Ms Bird, who won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat, was the first of the new cohort to take the oath. As she recited the pledge, she appeared to cross her fingers, a gesture commonly associated with indicating that a promise is not intended to be kept.
Her behaviour was widely criticised on social media. Former MP Paul Scully posted: "Disappointing to see the first of the 3 MPs to swear the oath of allegiance, the new SNP MP for Arbroath, cross her fingers whilst reading the script. First of several performative appearances I suspect."
Ex-Home Secretary James Cleverly remarked: "I wonder if she realises that crossed fingers doesn't invalidate the oath. This is primary school."
One individual posted: "Meaningless virtue-signalling right from the start." Another commented: "She disgraced herself and her constituents." A third observer wrote: "Lara Bird was extremely cocky during her swearing in. Not a good start." And a fourth stated: "Lara Bird, new SNP MP taking the oath in WM with her fingers crossed - what an ignoramus."
By-election context and other wins
Ms Bird had previously been labelled a "carpet bagger" after living and working in London while seeking the SNP candidacy. The seat is an SNP stronghold, and she duly claimed victory, with the Scottish Conservatives finishing in a surprising second place.
Also sworn in were Scottish Tory MP Douglas Lumsden, who achieved a remarkable victory in Aberdeen South, claiming Stephen Flynn's former seat, and Andy Burnham, who secured the Makersfield seat, positioning himself as a Prime Minister in waiting.
Oath requirement and Ms Bird's statement
All MPs are legally required to either swear an oath referencing God or make a solemn affirmation, pledging allegiance to "King Charles, his heirs and successors." They are prohibited from participating in debates, casting votes, or receiving their salary until the oath is taken.
In delivering her oath, Ms Bird stated: "I take this oath only so that I can serve the people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry. My first allegiance is, and always will be, the sovereign people of Scotland." She then raised her right hand and declared: "I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to the law, so help me God."
Lumsden pledges support for oil and gas
Newly elected Scottish Conservative MP Douglas Lumsden pledged to defend his constituents as he took the oath. He stated: "The oil and gas industry has been shamefully abandoned by SNP and Labour politicians. As Aberdeen South's MP I will never stop championing oil and gas workers. We simply cannot continue losing 1,000 jobs a month from the sector.
"The rapid decline in the North Sea is having a devastating impact across the city of Aberdeen with businesses being hit hard by the huge job losses and lack of investment. I urgently want to reverse this situation and ensure that Aberdeen is thriving, rather than barely surviving."
SNP pushes for independence referendum
The SNP attempted to capitalise on Sir Keir Starmer's resignation by tabling legislation demanding the authority to stage a second independence referendum be transferred to the Scottish Parliament. MP Graham Leadbitter argued it was "time we take the power out of the hands of Westminster politicians and put it into the hands of a Scottish Parliament that will deliver on people's priorities and wishes." He branded the Labour Government's resistance to an independence referendum "undemocratic" and committed to utilising every parliamentary tool available to achieve one.
