The Values and Principles of the UK
British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident of the UK. They are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.
The fundamental principles of British life include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Participation in community life
The Citizenship Pledge
As part of the citizenship ceremony, new citizens pledge to uphold these values. The pledge is:
*'I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.'*
Responsibilities
Following from the fundamental principles are responsibilities and freedoms which are shared by all those living in the UK and which we expect all residents to respect.
If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should:
- Respect and obey the law
- Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Treat others with fairness
- Look after yourself and your family
- Look after the area in which you live and the environment
Freedoms
In return, the UK offers:
- Freedom of belief and religion
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom from unfair discrimination
- A right to a fair trial
- A right to join in the election of a government
Check that you understand
- The origin of the values underlying British society
- The fundamental principles of British life
- The responsibilities and freedoms which come with permanent residence
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
La sociedad de British está fundada sobre valores y principios fundamentales que todos aquellos que viven en el UK deben respetar y apoyar. Estos valores se reflejan en las responsabilidades, derechos y privilegios de ser un British citizen o residente permanente del UK. Se basan en la historia y las tradiciones y están protegidos por la ley, las costumbres y las expectativas. No hay lugar en la sociedad de British para el extremismo o la intolerancia.
Los principios fundamentales de la vida en British incluyen:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerancia hacia aquellos con diferentes fe y creencias
- Participación en la vida de la comunidad
El Citizenship Pledge
Como parte de la ceremonia de citizenship, los nuevos ciudadanos se comprometen a defender estos valores. La promesa es:
*'Ofreceré mi lealtad al United Kingdom y respetaré sus derechos y libertades. Defenderé sus valores democráticos. Observaré sus leyes fielmente y cumpliré mis deberes y obligaciones como British citizen.'*
Responsabilidades
De los principios fundamentales se derivan responsabilidades y libertades compartidas por todos aquellos que viven en el UK y que esperamos que todos los residentes respeten.
Si desea ser un residente permanente o ciudadano del UK, debe:
- Respetar y obedecer la ley
- Respetar los derechos de los demás, incluido su derecho a sus propias opiniones
- Tratar a los demás con equidad
- Cuidar de sí mismo y de su familia
- Cuidar el área en la que vive y el medio ambiente
Libertades
A cambio, el UK ofrece:
- Libertad de creencia y religión
- Libertad de expresión
- Libertad frente a la discriminación injusta
- Derecho a un juicio justo
- Derecho a participar en la elección de un gobierno
Compruebe que comprende
- El origen de los valores que subyacen a la sociedad de British
- Los principios fundamentales de la vida en British
- Las responsabilidades y libertades que conllevan la residencia permanente
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Translations are provided as a study aid only. The English version is the sole authoritative source.
British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident of the UK. They are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.
The fundamental principles of British life include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Participation in community life
The Citizenship Pledge
As part of the citizenship ceremony, new citizens pledge to uphold these values. The pledge is:
*'I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.'*
Responsibilities
Following from the fundamental principles are responsibilities and freedoms which are shared by all those living in the UK and which we expect all residents to respect.
If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should:
- Respect and obey the law
- Respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Treat others with fairness
- Look after yourself and your family
- Look after the area in which you live and the environment
Freedoms
In return, the UK offers:
- Freedom of belief and religion
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom from unfair discrimination
- A right to a fair trial
- A right to join in the election of a government
Check that you understand
- The origin of the values underlying British society
- The fundamental principles of British life
- The responsibilities and freedoms which come with permanent residence
*Source: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd Edition. Crown copyright. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence.*
Test your knowledge of Chapter 1
Practice Chapter 1 (72 questions)The study guide content on this site is based on information from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition, published by the Home Office. © Crown copyright. This is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Home Office or the official test provider. For the official handbook, visit officiallifeintheuk.co.uk.