Chapter 1: Values and Principles of the UK

British Values and Your Responsibilities

Última verificação: 15 July 2026

• 1British society is founded on fundamental values and principles shared by all people living in the UK.
• 2The fundamental principles of British life are: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; participation in community life.
• 3These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident.
• 4The fundamental principles are supported both by law and by shared expectations of behaviour.
• 5People who become permanent residents or citizens agree to respect a set of responsibilities: obey and respect the law; be aware of the rights of others and respect those rights and their opinions; treat others with fairness; look after yourself and your family; look after the area you live in and the environment.
• 6In return, the UK offers: freedom of belief and religion; freedom of speech; freedom from unfair discrimination; the right to a fair trial; the right to join in the election of a government.
• 7New citizens formally accept these values at a citizenship ceremony by swearing an oath of allegiance to the monarch (or making an affirmation) and giving a pledge of loyalty to the UK, promising to respect its rights, freedoms and laws.
• 8The oath of allegiance is a promise to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the monarch, their heirs and successors, according to law; an affirmation is the non-religious alternative.
• 9The pledge commits new citizens to give loyalty to the United Kingdom, respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully and fulfil their duties and obligations as a citizen.
• 10Britain is described as a long-established democracy welcoming new migrants who bring diversity, while expecting all residents to share its values.