Civil servants could soon have to sign an oath declaring their commitment to so-called "British values" under plans floated by the communities secretary Sajid Javid.
Department for Communities and Local Government official Dame Louise Casey published her wide-ranging review into opportunity and integration in the UK earlier this month, warning that some communities in the UK face "high levels of social and economic isolation" in the wake of government initiatives that have failed to keep up with the “unprecedented pace and scale of immigration”.
As well as greater support for English language classes, more social mixing in schools, and a focus on “women’s emancipation in communities where they are being held back by regressive cultural practices”, Casey's review called for British values "such as respect for the rule of law, equality and tolerance" to be "enshrined in the principles of public life" through a new oath of loyalty.
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"We expect the highest standards in all civic leaders in selflessness and integrity, so too we should expect all in public office to uphold the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith," she said.
"The government should work with the Committee for Standards in Public life to ensure these values are enshrined in the principles of public life, including a new oath for holders of public office."
"We can’t expect new arrivals to embrace British values if those of us who are already here don’t do so, and such an oath would go a long way towards making that happen" – Sajid Javid
Writing in the Sunday Times over the weekend, Javid said he would respond "in detail" to Casey's recommendations next spring, but said he believed she was "completely right" in arguing that "civic and political leaders" should be expected to "lead by example".
"That’s why I was particularly drawn to her recommendation that fundamental British values be included in a new oath for all holders of public office," the communities secretary said.
"We can’t expect new arrivals to embrace British values if those of us who are already here don’t do so, and such an oath would go a long way towards making that happen.
"Studies show that public commitments can influence behaviour change and I believe an oath like this would make a real difference."
"We must not leap to implement gimmicky policies which are a superficial and cack-handed response to deep-rooted and long-standing problems" – Labour
Civil servants are already bound by the Civil Service Code, which asks officials to adhere to the principles of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality when carrying out their work.
According to press briefings, Casey's recommendation, if taken forward, could see every recruit to the public sector, including civil servants, local councillors and school governors, have to read the fresh oath aloud before taking up post.
Responding to Javid's article, Labour's communities spokesperson Teresa Peace warned that plan was unlikely to tackle enduring social problems.
"We must not leap to implement gimmicky policies which are a superficial and cack-handed response to deep-rooted and long-standing problems," she said.
"Only by properly funding local government so it can enrich communities, as well as meet its statutory obligations, can we begin to tackle isolation, division and mistrust and bring communities together."
The plan was also met with scepticism on social media by two former top officials.
Sir Paul Jenkins, the ex-head of the Government Legal Service, said it was difficult "to imagine anything less British" than an oath, while Sir Simon Fraser, former permanent secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office asked whether the proposals would also apply to "senior politicians".
Q1: Does proposed requirement to swear oath to British values include senior politicians? Q2: Do British values include truthfulness?
— Simon Fraser (@SimonFraser00) December 18, 2016
Difficult to imagine anything less British. British values oath proposed for public office holders https://t.co/TWJalTuLYY
— Sir Paul Jenkins (@sirpauljenkins) December 18, 2016