Newly elected MP Lara Bird appeared to cross her fingers as she swore allegiance to King Charles in the House of Commons on Monday (22 June). The new SNP MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry had a majority of more than 5,000 votes over the Conservatives, who finished in second place in last Thursday’s by-election. Ms Bird was one of three new MPs, including Andy Burnham, to take the oath in Parliament on Monday. She appeared to cross her fingers as she swore allegiance to the crown. In taking her oath, Ms Bird said: “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.” Ms Bird wrote on X: “I took this oath in order to serve the people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry - and declared that my loyalty will always be to the people of Scotland. It is a privilege to serve and represent our communities as your Member of Parliament.”