Commenters argued communities secretary’s proposed oath of allegiance for public officials would do little to aid social integration

Every public office-holder will have to swear an oath of allegiance to “fundamental British values”, if proposals by the communities secretary are adopted.

Sajid Javid proposes 'British values oath' in wake of Casey review of social integration Read more

The pledge would be expected to cover members of parliament and other elected officials, civil servants, and council workers, and would cover values such as freedom of speech, equality and democracy.

Sajid Javid, writing in the Sunday Times in response to Dame Louise Casey’s report on social cohesion, said he was “drawn” to such an oath because “civic and political leaders have to lead by example” in upholding values such as “tolerating the views of others, even if you disagree with them.”

Javid also wants all migrants, not just those seeking UK citizenship, to swear an oath of allegiance.

“Without common building blocks of our society, you’ll struggle to play a positive role in British life”, Javid said.

Readers reacted with scepticism to Javid’s proposal, citing, among other things, the difficulty in quantifying uniquely British values - something Javid himself acknowledged.

Below, we highlight some of their arguments.

Britishness is laughing at silly oaths

It’s window dressing

British values vary person by person



Facebook Twitter Pinterest Patriotic revellers wave flags at the Royal Albert Hall. Javid said he is not ‘demanding everyone bobs up and down at Last Night of the Proms’. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

Would there be a list?

Oaths only make sense in specific contexts

Absence of oaths is a sign of a healthy nation

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Javid isn’t insisting you like cricket either. Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA

A pacifist alternative is needed



Tolerance is a cornerstone of all democracies - not just Britain

An oath would be meaningless without a proper constitution

Would tax dodgers be included?