British values and principles

The handbook names five principles on which British life is based. The questions often ask which of them a situation shows.

• Democracy: people choose their government by voting in elections, and Parliament makes the laws.
• The rule of law: everybody, including the government and the police, must obey the law, and nobody can be punished without a fair trial.
• Individual liberty: each person is free to think, speak, believe and live as they choose, as long as they respect the law and the freedom of others.
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs: people are free to follow any religion or none, and to treat others with respect.
• Participation in community life: taking part in local life, from volunteering to voting, is part of being a good citizen.

Exam tip: If a question asks about “British values”, the five words to remember are democracy, rule of law, liberty, tolerance and participation.

People who live in the UK have rights that are protected by law. They come from old traditions, such as Magna Carta (1215), and from modern laws.

• The Human Rights Act 1998 protects the rights of the European Convention on Human Rights in UK law, such as the right to life, to a fair trial and to freedom of expression.
• Freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination and the right to a fair trial are the main rights listed.
• You have the right to join a trade union, to take part in a lawful protest and to ask for a lawyer if you are arrested.
• Equality law (the Equality Act 2010) forbids discrimination because of age, disability, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy or marriage.
• Women got the vote in 1918 (those over 30) and on equal terms with men in 1928. Today everybody can vote at 18, and at 16 in some elections in Scotland and Wales.

With rights come responsibilities. The handbook lists those that apply to everybody who lives in the UK, and some that apply to citizens.

• Obey the law and respect the rights of others. Not knowing the law is not an excuse.
• Treat others with fairness, look after your family, and help others in your community when you can.
• Pay your taxes. Income tax and National Insurance pay for the NHS, schools, roads and the police.
• Look after the environment and the area where you live.
• Serve on a jury if you are asked: people on the electoral register aged 18 to 75 can be called, and it is a legal duty.
• Parents must make sure their children go to school, and everybody must register to vote to be able to take part in elections.

There are many ways to take part, and the test asks about a number of them.

• Volunteering: helping a charity, a school, a hospital or a local group. It is a good way to meet people and to improve your English.
• Voting in elections and, if you are a citizen aged 18 or over, standing for election as a councillor, an MP or in another role.
• Joining a local group, such as a neighbourhood watch, a parent-teacher association, a residents’ group or a school governors’ body.
• Taking part in a peaceful protest, signing a petition or writing to your MP.
• Getting to know your neighbours, and joining in community events such as street parties, fairs and local festivals.