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.*
英国社会建立在一系列基本价值观和原则之上，所有在英国生活的人都应当尊重和支持这些价值观。这些价值观体现在英国公民或永久居民所承担的责任、享有的权利和特权之中。它们根植于英国的历史与传统，并受到法律、习俗和社会期望的保护。英国社会绝不容忍极端主义或不宽容行为。
英国社会的基本原则包括：
- 民主
- 法治
- 个人自由
- 尊重不同信仰和观念的人
- 参与社区生活
入籍宣誓词
在入籍仪式上，新公民需要宣誓维护这些价值观。宣誓词如下：
*"我将忠于英国（United Kingdom），尊重其权利与自由。我将维护其民主价值观。我将忠实遵守其法律，履行作为英国公民的职责和义务。"*
责任
基于上述基本原则，所有在英国生活的人共同承担着一系列责任和自由，我们期望所有居民都能予以尊重。
如果你希望成为英国的永久居民或公民，你应当：
- 尊重并遵守法律
- 尊重他人的权利，包括他人持有不同意见的权利
- 公平对待他人
- 照顾好自己和家人
- 爱护你所居住的地区和环境
自由
作为回报，英国提供以下自由和权利：
- 信仰和宗教自由
- 言论自由
- 免受不公正歧视的自由
- 获得公正审判的权利
- 参与选举政府的权利
检查你是否理解了以下内容
- 英国社会价值观的起源
- 英国社会的基本原则
- 永久居留身份所附带的责任和自由
*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.