Chapter 1 · The values and principles of the UK
Values and principles: Life in the UK test study notes
British society rests on shared values, rooted in its history and traditions, that everyone who lives in the UK is expected to respect. There are five fundamental principles: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life. Anyone who wants to settle permanently or become a citizen also takes on responsibilities. These are to respect and obey the law and to respect other people's rights (such as their right to hold their own views). Other responsibilities are to treat others fairly, to look after themselves and their family, and to care for their local area and the environment. In exchange for these responsibilities, the UK provides important freedoms: freedom of speech and freedom of belief and religion. It also provides a right to a fair trial, freedom from unfair discrimination and a right to take part in electing a government. New British citizens mark the occasion at a citizenship ceremony. There they swear an oath of allegiance to the monarch, or make a non-religious affirmation instead. They then make a pledge to respect the UK's rights and freedoms and uphold its laws.
Key facts to remember
- Five fundamental principles: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life.
- These shared values grew out of the UK's history and traditions rather than a single law, and are upheld by law, custom and what people expect of each other.
- Extremism and intolerance run against these shared values.
- Applying to settle or become a citizen means committing to respect the UK's laws, values and traditions.
- Responsibility: respect and obey the law.
- Responsibility: respect other people's rights, such as their right to hold their own views.
- Responsibility: treat others with fairness.
- Responsibility: look after yourself and your family.
- Responsibility: look after the area you live in and the environment.
- Freedoms offered: freedom of belief and religion, and freedom of speech.
- Freedoms offered: freedom from unfair discrimination, and a right to a fair trial.
- Freedom offered: a right to take part in electing a government.
- Following a religion is a personal choice, protected by freedom of belief; it is not a responsibility.
- Citizenship ceremony: new citizens swear an oath (by God) or make a non-religious affirmation of allegiance to the monarch.
- Citizenship ceremony: new citizens then pledge loyalty to the UK, to respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully and fulfil their duties as citizens.
- The handbook refers to the Queen; since September 2022 the oath and affirmation have been made to King Charles III.
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These notes summarise the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), which all the test questions come from. Try the free chapter 1 questions.