LBC presenter Lewis Goodall didn't hold back on grilling newly elected SNP MP Lara Bird over the controversy surrounding her decision to appear to cross her fingers while swearing allegiance to King Charles. Bird, who recently won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election, appeared on LBC on Sunday where she was questioned about the backlash following her swearing-in ceremony at Westminster.
Goodall questions maturity of gesture
During the interview, Goodall asked whether she understood why some people viewed her actions as "a bit of immaturity". He said: "Do you understand why some people just felt that, frankly, it reeked of a bit of immaturity?"
Questioning her decision, he continued: "You've come down to Parliament, you've got this amazing moment, you've been elected by your constituents, and you just decide to make your mark by basically being... some people could argue, insulting to the monarchy, but also insulting to all of your constituents who believe in the monarchy."
Bird defends her actions
Rejecting the suggestion she had deliberately sought publicity, Bird argued there were far bigger political issues dominating the news agenda. She pointed to ongoing debates within the Labour Party, rising energy bills and defence spending, suggesting the attention surrounding her oath had been amplified because fellow MP Andy Burnham was also being sworn in that day.
Bird insisted: "I wasn't trying to cause as much attention." Goodall quickly interjected: "Really?" She replied: "Really, Lewis, I was going in to make the oath so that I could do my job for my constituents, which is what I've been doing."
Oath controversy explained
The interview comes days after Bird sparked widespread debate when she appeared to cross her fingers while taking the oath of allegiance to King Charles in the House of Commons. Before making the formal declaration, she told the chamber: "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."
MPs are required to swear an oath or make an affirmation before taking part in Commons proceedings, voting or receiving their parliamentary salary.
Political reactions to the gesture
Bird's gesture prompted criticism from several politicians and commentators on social media. Former Conservative MP Paul Scully described it as "disappointing", while former Home Secretary James Cleverly questioned whether she believed crossing her fingers somehow invalidated the oath.
Others accused the SNP politician of "virtue-signalling", while supporters argued she was making clear her long-held republican views. Bird has maintained that her priority is representing her constituents and says her appearance on LBC was focused on discussing the issues affecting them rather than the controversy surrounding her swearing-in.
