British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which everyone living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident, and they are protected by law, customs and expectations. They are based on Britain's history and traditions, and there is no place in British society for those who refuse to respect them, nor for extremism or intolerance.
The Life in the UK handbook (Chapter 1) lists the fundamental principles of British life as:
By applying to live permanently in the UK or to become a British citizen, applicants agree to accept the responsibilities that go with these values before sitting the Life in the UK Test. These responsibilities are: to respect and obey the law; to respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions; to treat others with fairness; to look after yourself and your family; and to look after the area in which you live and the environment.
In return, Britain offers the freedoms and rights that all who live here can expect:
Successful applicants aged 18 or over must attend a citizenship ceremony, where they make either an Oath of Allegiance (swearing by Almighty God) or an Affirmation of allegiance, together with the Pledge of loyalty. Allegiance is sworn to the monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. The statutory wording of 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.”
1. Which of the following is listed as a fundamental principle of British life?
The handbook lists the rule of law as one of the fundamental principles of British life, alongside democracy and individual liberty. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
2. The handbook lists five fundamental principles of British life. Which set correctly names them?
The handbook names the fundamental principles as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and participation in community life. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
3. What does 'democracy' mean as a fundamental principle of British life?
Democracy means a system of government where the whole adult population gets a say, typically by voting to elect representatives, rather than rule by a single powerful group or individual. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
4. What does the 'rule of law' mean as a fundamental principle of British life?
The rule of law means that no one, including those in government, is above the law, and everyone is equal before and subject to the law. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
5. According to the handbook, on what is British society founded?
The handbook states that British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
6. How does the handbook say British values and principles are protected?
The handbook explains that British values and principles are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
7. A person argues that, because they hold high office, the police should not be allowed to investigate or charge them for a crime. Which fundamental principle does this view contradict?
The rule of law means no one, including those in government or high office, is above the law, so this view directly contradicts it. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
8. According to the handbook, what place do extremism and intolerance have in British society?
The handbook states clearly that there is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
9. Which of the following is a responsibility that residents and citizens agree to accept?
Respecting and obeying the law is one of the responsibilities that residents and citizens agree to accept under the handbook. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
10. Which of these is one of the freedoms or rights that the handbook says Britain offers?
The handbook lists freedom of speech among the freedoms and rights that Britain offers. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
11. Which set correctly lists freedoms or rights that the handbook says Britain offers?
The handbook lists freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial, and a right to join in the election of a government. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
12. Which of the following is one of the freedoms Britain offers, according to the handbook?
Freedom from unfair discrimination is listed among the freedoms and rights that Britain offers. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
13. A neighbour holds religious beliefs that differ from your own and expresses opinions you disagree with. According to the responsibilities residents accept, what should you do?
Residents agree to respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions, and to treat others with fairness. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
14. Which of the following is one of the responsibilities residents and citizens accept relating to their surroundings?
Looking after the area in which you live and the environment is one of the listed responsibilities. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
15. Which set correctly lists responsibilities that residents and citizens agree to accept?
The handbook lists these responsibilities: respect and obey the law; respect the rights of others; treat others with fairness; look after yourself and your family; and look after the area and environment. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
16. When does an applicant agree to accept the responsibilities of citizenship or permanent residence set out in the handbook?
By applying to live permanently in the UK or to become a British citizen, applicants agree to accept these responsibilities before taking the Life in the UK Test. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
17. At a citizenship ceremony, what do new citizens make in addition to the oath or affirmation of allegiance?
At a citizenship ceremony, new citizens make a Pledge of loyalty in addition to the oath or affirmation of allegiance. (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5; GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes')
18. In the Oath and Affirmation of allegiance taken at a citizenship ceremony, to whom is allegiance sworn?
Allegiance is sworn to the monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5; GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes')
19. What is the difference between the Oath of Allegiance and the Affirmation of allegiance at a citizenship ceremony?
Applicants make either the Oath of Allegiance, swearing by Almighty God, or the Affirmation of allegiance for those who prefer not to swear by Almighty God. (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5; GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes')
20. Which statement correctly completes the Pledge of loyalty: '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 ...'?
The Pledge concludes: 'I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.' (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5 (as amended by the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, Schedule 1))
21. A successful citizenship applicant aged 35 asks whether they must attend a citizenship ceremony. What is correct?
Successful citizenship applicants aged 18 or over are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath or affirmation and the pledge. (GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes (English and Welsh)')
22. A new citizen, who does not wish to swear by Almighty God, wishes to declare allegiance at their ceremony. Which form should they use, and what is its essential content?
Those who prefer not to swear by Almighty God make the Affirmation of allegiance, declaring and affirming true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5; GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes')
23. An adult population votes to elect representatives who form the government, rather than power being held by a single unelected individual. Which fundamental principle does this best illustrate?
Democracy is the principle of a system of government where the whole adult population gets a say, typically by voting to elect representatives. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
24. Which of the following is among the freedoms and rights the handbook says Britain offers?
A right to a fair trial is listed among the freedoms and rights that Britain offers, alongside a right to join in the election of a government. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
25. Which of the following is listed in the handbook as one of the fundamental principles of British life?
The handbook lists tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs as one of the fundamental principles of British life, alongside democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and participation in community life. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
26. According to the handbook, which is one of the responsibilities that residents and citizens agree to accept?
The handbook lists 'to respect and obey the law' as one of the core responsibilities of citizens and permanent residents. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
27. The rule of law, as a fundamental principle, means that which of the following is true?
The rule of law means that everyone, including those in government, is equal before and subject to the law; no one is above it. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
28. Which freedom does Britain offer in relation to faith, according to the handbook?
The handbook lists freedom of belief and religion among the freedoms that Britain offers to those living there. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
29. What does the handbook say about extremism and intolerance in British society?
The handbook states clearly that there is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
30. A neighbour holds religious views you strongly disagree with and expresses them lawfully. In keeping with British values, what should you do?
One of the listed responsibilities is to respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions; tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is a fundamental principle. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
31. How does a person formally agree to accept the responsibilities of citizenship or permanent residence?
By applying to live permanently in the UK or to become a British citizen, applicants agree to accept the responsibilities set out in the handbook before taking the Life in the UK Test. (Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), Chapter 1 'The values and principles of the UK')
32. In the Pledge of loyalty made at a citizenship ceremony, what does the new citizen promise about the laws of the UK?
The statutory Pledge of loyalty includes the promise 'I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.' (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5 (as amended by the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, Schedule 1))
33. At a citizenship ceremony, to whom is allegiance sworn or affirmed?
The Oath and Affirmation of allegiance are made to His Majesty King Charles III, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. (GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes'; British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5)
34. A successful citizenship applicant prefers not to swear by Almighty God at the ceremony. What option is available to them?
Those who prefer not to swear by Almighty God may make the Affirmation of allegiance, which has the same legal effect as the Oath. (British Nationality Act 1981, Schedule 5; GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes')
35. Which group of successful citizenship applicants is required to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath/affirmation and pledge?
Successful applicants aged 18 or over are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and make the oath or affirmation and the pledge. (GOV.UK 'Citizenship ceremonies: guidance notes (English and Welsh)')