British values & principles of the UK: study notes

Last reviewed 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by the BritainTest editorial team

The British values the test asks about are five fundamental principles: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life. They come from chapter 1 of the official handbook, which also covers the rights and freedoms you enjoy in the UK and the responsibilities you take on. It is the shortest chapter, and one of the easiest to score on once you have learned a few short lists. These study notes are part of our Life in the UK study guide.

The five fundamental principles

British life is built on a set of shared principles. The handbook lists five, and they come up again and again, so learn them by heart:

• Democracy. The people choose their representatives, so everyone has a say in how the country is run.
• The rule of law. Everyone, including those in power, must obey the law and is equal under it.
• Individual liberty. People are free to make their own choices, as long as they stay within the law.
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. People of all religions and none are respected and treated fairly.
• Participation in community life. People are encouraged to take part in their local community and wider society.

Your rights and freedoms

The UK is a modern, thriving society that protects a set of freedoms for everyone who lives here. The main rights the handbook highlights are:

• freedom of belief and religion,
• freedom of speech,
• freedom from unfair discrimination,
• a right to a fair trial,
• a right to take part in electing a government.

Your responsibilities

Rights come with responsibilities. When you apply to become a permanent resident or a citizen, you agree to respect the values of the UK. In practice that means 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.

A quick way to keep rights and responsibilities straight:

Becoming a permanent resident or citizen

To settle in the UK or become a British citizen, you agree to respect these values and play your part in the community. You also need to show that you can speak and read English and that you understand life in the UK. Passing the Life in the UK Test is how you show that understanding, and meeting the English requirement (usually at B1 level) is a separate step.

The citizenship ceremony and pledge

People who become British citizens are invited to a citizenship ceremony. There, they make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the King (the reigning monarch) and a pledge to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK. They receive a certificate of British citizenship at the ceremony. Making this promise in public is the final step in becoming a citizen. Our citizenship ceremony guide covers what to expect.

What this chapter tests

Questions from this chapter usually ask you to identify one of the fundamental principles, pick out a right or a responsibility, or recognise what happens at the citizenship ceremony. Because the answers are short, defined lists, this is a chapter where careful memorising pays off. Learn the five principles first, then the rights and responsibilities, then the ceremony.

This page explains the values and principles behind the Life in the UK Test and is for study and preparation only. It is general information, not immigration advice, and does not determine your eligibility for settlement or citizenship. For official rules and any updates, rely on GOV.UK; GOV.UK guidance controls if anything here differs.