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 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.’
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.
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.
To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
• Speak and read English
• Have a good understanding of life in the UK.
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
‘Great Britain’ refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.
‘Crown dependencies’: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
There are also several British overseas territories in other parts of the world, such as St Helena and the Falkland Islands.