No, British MP Jeremy Corbyn was not forced to swear in using Bible

What is the claim?

Multiple posts circulating on social media claim that British politician Jeremy Corbyn was “forced to swear in” using a Bible when swearing allegiance to the Crown at the beginning of the new Parliament, following the recent U.K. general elections.

Corbyn, a former Labour Party leader and newly elected independent MP from Islington North, was purportedly depicted in a viral X (formerly Twitter) post, which claimed, “Jeremy Corbyn whispers ‘This is such a load of nonsense, isn’t it’ before being forced to swear into Parliament on a Bible.” This post, shared widely on Facebook, has accumulated 114,000 views. Archived versions of these posts are available here, here, and here. 

Screenshots of social media posts falsely claiming that British MP Corbyn was forced to swear in using the Bible. (Source: Screenshots/Facebook/X/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, the claim that Corbyn was coerced into swearing on the Bible is inaccurate; Corbyn opted for a non-religious affirmation of allegiance to the Crown.

What is the truth?

We reviewed the official video of the swearing-in ceremony, which occurred on July 9. The event was live-streamed on The Guardian’s official YouTube channel (archived here) under the title “Speaker and MPs sworn into parliament after UK general election – watch live.” At approximately 2:43:12 in the 4:11:36 video, Corbyn is heard saying to another MP, “This is such a load of nonsense, isn’t it."

(Source: The Guardian)

When it was Corbyn’s turn (timestamp 2:43:52), he was given the choice between taking the oath or making an affirmation. Corbyn chose the affirmation.

According to the official U.K. Parliament website, “Members can either swear in using a religious text or take a non-religious, solemn affirmation.” The affirmation reads: “I do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”

Corbyn is seen in the video using this affirmation after opting for the non-religious option.

Bible not mandatory for religious text option

Furthermore, it is not mandatory to swear in using the Bible. The U.K. Parliament website states, “There is no set list of sacred texts which MPs may use when swearing-in. All Members decide beforehand which text they would prefer to use. Every effort is made to ensure that it is provided. Books which may not be handled by non-believers are kept in slip-cases on the Table.”

Logically Facts has contacted Corbyn for comment and will update this fact-check if a response is received.

The verdict

Although Jeremy Corbyn did say, “This is such a load of nonsense, isn’t it,” before his swearing-in, he was not forced to swear in using the Bible. Corbyn opted for a non-religious affirmation, as evidenced in the live broadcast of the ceremony.