Oath of Allegiance (United Kingdom) - House of Lords

House of Lords

Upon accepting a peerage, a citizen becomes a Peer of the Realm immediately upon the granting of the 'Letters Patent' and then receiving the first 'Writ of Summons'. This writ, based upon the original writ of Edward III, defines the role and obligations of a new peer. New peers become Members of the House of Lords after being formally introduced at the introduction ceremony, and has taken (or affirms) an Oath of Allegiance for the first time. The Oath of Allegiance must be taken at each new Parliament before a peer may sit in the House of Lords. The procedure of Letters Patent, Writ of Summons, Introduction and Oath of Allegiance collectively represent a contract which is 'Binding in Honour'.

Taking the oath in the House of Lords

The swearing in procedure for taking the oath is similar in the House of Lords. Immediately after the Royal Commission for the opening of Parliament, Members of the Lords present their writs of summons at the Table of the House and take the oath or subscribe to the affirmation. Members are also required to sign an undertaking to abide by the House of Lords Code of Conduct as part of the swearing in procedure for the new 2010 Parliament. This implements a new Code of Conduct, agreed by the House on 30 November 2009.