Shared Values and Democratic Principles

Everyone living in the UK is expected to respect and uphold the principles and values on which British society rests. These principles and values sit behind the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident. UK laws, customs, and wider social expectations all support them, and they are rooted in the country’s history and traditions. Extremism and intolerance have no place in British society.

The UK’s fundamental values and principles are:

• Democracy: The people have a say in how the country is governed through voting.
• The rule of law: Everyone must follow the law, and the law protects everyone’s rights.
• Individual liberty: People are free to live their lives with minimal interference from the government.
• Tolerance for those with different beliefs: Respecting and allowing the differing opinions and beliefs of others.
• Participation in the British community: Being actively involved in community life and civic responsibilities.

At the citizenship ceremony, new citizens make the following pledge in support of these values:

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.

These values bring with them responsibilities and freedoms that are shared by everyone living in the UK, including new citizens. All UK citizens, including those applying for citizenship, share the following responsibilities:

• Respecting and following the law: Obeying the legal rules of the country.
• Respecting others’ rights, including their freedom of opinion: Being considerate and respectful of the rights and opinions of others.
• Behaving equitably with others: Treating others fairly and without discrimination.
• Taking care of yourself and your family: Providing for the well-being of oneself and family members.
• Taking care of the environment around you: Being responsible for preserving and protecting the environment.

The privileges that come with UK citizenship include:

• Freedom of belief and religion: The liberty to practice any religion or hold any belief.
• Freedom of speech: The right to express opinions without censorship.
• Freedom from prejudice: Protection from discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
• Fair trial rights: The right to a fair and public hearing if accused of a crime.
• Voting rights: The right to vote in elections and referendums.