Chapter 1
The values and principles of the UK
The five fundamental principles of British life, the responsibilities and freedoms that come with living here, and what the test itself involves.
Test yourself on this chapterThe fundamental principles of British life
Five principles, learned as a set: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; tolerance of differing faiths and beliefs; participation in community life. They rest on history and tradition, and law, custom and expectation protect them. Extremism and intolerance have no place here. New citizens promise aloud at the ceremony to uphold them.
Testable facts
- The fundamental principles of British life include democracy and the rule of law
- Individual liberty is a fundamental principle of British life
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs is a fundamental principle of British life
- Participation in community life is a fundamental principle of British life
- There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance
- At the citizenship ceremony new citizens pledge to uphold these values
Responsibilities and freedoms
A bargain with two sides. Expected of you: keep the law; respect others and their right to their own opinions; deal fairly; provide for yourself and your family; care for your neighbourhood and the environment. Offered to you: belief and religion; speech; protection from unfair discrimination; a fair trial; a vote in choosing the government.
Testable facts
- Residents should respect and obey the law
- Residents should respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
- Residents should treat others with fairness
- Residents should look after themselves and their family
- Residents should look after the area in which they live and the environment
- The UK offers freedom of belief and religion
- The UK offers freedom of speech and freedom from unfair discrimination
- The UK offers a right to a fair trial
- The UK offers a right to join in the election of a government
Becoming a permanent resident
Two hurdles for settlement or naturalisation. First, the Life in the UK test. Second, evidence of English speaking and listening at B1 on the Common European Framework — ESOL Entry Level 3. Both rest on the same requirement: enough English, and enough understanding of life here. Requirements shift, so check with the Home Office before applying.
Testable facts
- To apply for permanent residence or citizenship you need to speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK
- Applicants must pass the Life in the UK test
- Evidence of English speaking and listening at B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference is required of applicants
- B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3
- At a citizenship ceremony new citizens pledge to uphold the values of the UK
Taking the Life in the UK test
Format worth knowing before you sit it. Twenty-four questions, drawn from anywhere in the handbook including the introduction, and different for each candidate in the same session. Dates of birth and death are never asked. English is the normal language; Welsh and Scottish Gaelic can be arranged. Over 30 approved centres, booking online only, and no admission without identification and proof of address. Separate arrangements cover the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
Testable facts
- Twenty-four questions on important aspects of life here make up the Life in the UK test
- Questions are based on all parts of the handbook, including the introduction
- You will not need to remember dates of birth or death
- Candidates sitting together in one session each receive a different set of 24 questions
- The test is usually taken in English, although special arrangements can be made for Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
- There are over 30 registered Life in the UK test centres in the UK
- You can only book your test online
- You need to take identification and proof of your address to the test