Safeguarding Central

Fundamental British Values, what are they?

Fundamental British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Great Britain valuing our community and celebrating diversity of the UK.

British Values refer to a set of principles and beliefs that are considered important in British society.

These values include:

Democracy: the belief in the ability of citizens to participate in the decision-making process through free and fair elections.
The Rule of Law: the idea that everyone is subject to the law and that it is applied fairly and equally to all.
Individual Liberty: the right of individuals to have freedom of thought, expression, and action, as long as it does not harm others.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: the acceptance and respect of different cultures, religions, and lifestyles within society.
Social responsibility: the recognition of the importance of community and civic engagement, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute to the common good.

Examples of British values include the use of peaceful protest to effect change, the fair and impartial administration of justice, freedom of the press, and the promotion of gender and racial equality.

What is Democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which citizens can decide how they are governed. This power is typically exercised through regular, free, and fair elections, in which citizens can vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The word “democracy” comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos”, meaning rule or power.

There are different types of democracies, such as direct democracy and representative democracy. In a direct democracy, citizens make decisions directly, without the intermediation of elected representatives. However, this is often impractical in large societies, and most modern democracies are representative democracies, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The principles of democracy include freedom of speech and expression, the right to participate in government, and the protection of individual rights and liberties. It also requires transparency and accountability of the government, free and fair elections and an independent legal system.

Democracy is considered one of the essential British values and is a fundamental aspect of British society.

What is the Rule of Law?

The rule of law is a principle that states that everyone is subject to the law and that the law is applied fairly and equally to all. No one, including government officials and public figures, is above the law. The rule of law also ensures that laws are clear and predictable and protect the rights of individuals and the community.

The rule of law is considered one of the most essential British values and is a fundamental aspect of British society. It is protected by the British legal system, which includes an independent judiciary and the ability to challenge the government through the courts.

The rule of law also includes the principle of due process, which guarantees that individuals are not deprived of their rights or freedoms without fair and impartial legal proceedings. Everyone has the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the right to appeal a decision.

Examples of the rule of law in practice include:

The fair and impartial administration of justice.
The protection of individual rights and liberties.
The holding of public officials accountable for their actions.

What is Individual Liberty?

Individual liberty is the concept that individuals have certain unalienable rights and freedoms protected by law, which the state or government should not interfere with.

Examples of individual liberty include:

Freedom of speech and expression allows individuals to express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or punishment.
The freedom of religion allows individuals to practice the religion of their choice without interference from the state.
The right to a fair trial and due process ensures that individuals are given a fair and impartial trial and are protected from arbitrary arrest or punishment.
The right to privacy protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure and allows them to control their personal information.
The right to own property allows individuals to acquire, possess, and dispose of property without interference from the government.
The right to freedom of movement allows individuals to travel and relocate without restriction.
The right to peaceful assembly and association allows individuals to gather and associate with others for lawful purposes.
The right to vote and participate in the political process allows individuals to have a say in how their government is run.
The right to equal protection under the law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics.
These rights and freedoms are not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances, such as when necessary to protect the rights and safety of others.

The concept of individual liberty is closely linked to the idea of limited government, where the state’s role is to protect these rights and not infringe upon them.

What is Mutual Respect and Tolerance?

Mutual respect and tolerance refer to the idea that people should show respect for the beliefs, opinions, and rights of others, even if they differ from their own. This includes treating others with dignity and courtesy and not discriminating against or harming them based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal characteristics.

Tolerance specifically means to be open and accepting of different perspectives and ways of life, even if you disagree with them. It means allowing others to express their beliefs and opinions without fear of discrimination or persecution and refraining from imposing their own beliefs on others.

Together, mutual respect and tolerance are considered important values for promoting social harmony, understanding and acceptance of diversity and peaceful coexistence among different groups.