Allow MPs to take the oath in the Irish or Ulster-Scots languages.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

There is no provision for MPs to take the oath in Irish or Ulster-Scots. While they are recognised as minority languages in the UK, they are not official languages of Parliament but Welsh, Cornish and Scottish Gaelic are. Why miss them out?

Allow MPs to take the oath in Irish and Ulster-Scots.

This has been the subject of some debate and controversy in recent years. Some MPs have called for the oath to be made available in Irish and Ulster-Scots, arguing that this would be a symbolic gesture of respect for the cultural diversity of the UK. There are ongoing efforts to preserve and promote them in Northern Ireland.

However, as of now, the oath or affirmation must still be taken in English, Welsh, Cornish or Scottish Gaelic.

Please make the oath available in Irish and Ulster-Scots.

Why it was rejected

The UK Government or Parliament was already taking the action it asked for.

The oath/affirmation must be taken/made first in English, but Members can follow this with an oath or affirmation in another language of their choice. Oath/affirmation cards are Available in Welsh, Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Ulster Scots and Cornish. If a Member wishes to make the oath/affirmation in another language
not listed, this is possible, but Members must supply their own translations.

You can find out more about the process of swearing in for MPs here: https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/commons/executive/Commons-Briefing-Note_Swearing-In_2019.pdf

Timeline

4 Apr 2023	Petition opened for signatures
6 Apr 2023	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 6 Apr 2023

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