MPs representing constituencies in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire have taken their oaths of allegiance following last week's general election.

Kevin Bonavia, MP for Stevenage, and Chris Hinchliff, MP for North East Hertfordshire, chose to swear on the King James Bible, while Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, chose to take the secular affirmation. All three were elected as Labour MPs.

Mr Bonavia said that it was a "privilege" to be sworn in. "I will serve everyone in our town and villages to the very best of my ability," he added.

Mr Strathern, the only MP to have served in the House of Commons prior to the recent general election, described it as an "enormous privilege". He said: "Day in, day out I will be working as hard as I can to stand up for our towns and villages."

All MPs must take an oath of allegiance to the Crown, either being sworn in with a religious text or using a secular affirmation.

MPs cannot speak in debates, vote or receive a salary until they have taken their oath or affirmation.

Those MPs taking the oath say: "I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God."

And those MPs taking the affirmation say: "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." 

This parliament will be formally opened with the King's Speech on Wednesday, July 17.