Fundamental Principles and Responsibilities in the UK
Key UK principles and laws covering human rights, equality, domestic protection, taxation, National Insurance, and driving rules.
Respect for Rights and Freedoms
Britain has a long history of protecting individual rights and essential freedoms. These rights began with the Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act, and the Bill of Rights (1689). Over time, they developed further.
British diplomats and lawyers helped create the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The UK was one of the first countries to sign the Convention in 1950.
European Convention on Human Rights – Key Principles
Right to life.Prohibition of torture.
Prohibition of slavery and forced labour.
Right to liberty and security.
Right to a fair trial.
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Freedom of expression (speech).
The Human Rights Act (1998) made this Convention part of UK law. This means that the government, public bodies, and courts must follow its principles.
Equal Opportunities
UK law protects everyone from unfair treatment. You cannot be discriminated against because of your age, disability, sex, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sexuality, or marital status.
If you face discrimination, you can get help from Citizens Advice or these organisations:
Equality Help Organisations
England and Wales: Equality and Human Rights Commission (www.equalityhumanrights.com)Scotland: Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland and Scottish Human Rights Commission
(www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/commission-scotland, www.scottishhumanrights.com)
Northern Ireland: Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (www.equalityni.org) and Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (www.nihrc.org)
Domestic Violence
Violence in the home is a serious crime in the UK. Anyone—man or woman—who is violent towards their partner can be prosecuted. Forcing a woman to have sex, even if married, is rape.
If you face domestic violence, get help immediately. Contact a solicitor or Citizens Advice. There are safe places called refuges or shelters.
You can call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247, visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk, or go to the Women’s Aid website at www.womensaid.org.uk. In an emergency, always call the police.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM, also called cutting or female circumcision, is illegal in the UK. It is a criminal offence to perform FGM or take someone abroad for it.
Forced Marriage
A marriage must be made with the free consent of both people. Arranged marriages are acceptable if both agree. But forced marriage, where one or both do not consent, is a criminal offence.
Forced Marriage Protection
Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced in 2008 under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.Scotland introduced similar orders in 2011.
Victims or someone on their behalf can apply for protection.
Breaking an order can lead to up to two years in jail.
Taxation
Income Tax
People in the UK pay tax on:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment profits
- Taxable benefits
- Pensions
- Property, savings, and dividends
Income tax funds government services like roads, education, police, and the armed forces.
Most employees pay tax automatically through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), managed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Self-employed people must file a tax return and pay through self-assessment. You can learn more at www.gov.uk/income-tax or call 0300 200 3310.
National Insurance (NI)
Almost everyone who works in the UK pays National Insurance Contributions (NICs). This money funds benefits such as the State Pension and the NHS.
Employees have contributions taken by their employer. Self-employed people must pay it themselves.
Not paying enough NI can affect benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance or a full State Pension. Learn more at www.gov.uk/national-insurance.
Getting a National Insurance Number
A National Insurance (NI) number is your personal account number. It ensures your tax and NI payments are recorded correctly. Young people in the UK receive their NI number before their 16th birthday.
If you are a non-UK national working or starting a business, you need an NI number. You can work before receiving it if you have the right to work. Apply online and prove your identity. You’ll get an email with your application reference and further instructions.
More information: www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
Driving in the UK
You must be at least 17 to drive a car or motorcycle, and have a driving licence. You must pass both theory and practical driving tests. At 16, you can ride a moped.
Licences are valid until age 70, then renewed every three years. In Northern Ireland, new drivers display an ‘R’ plate for one year.
If you hold a foreign licence, you can drive in the UK for 12 months. After that, you must get a UK full licence. Check rules at www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence.
Vehicle Rules
Register your vehicle with the DVLA.Pay annual vehicle tax.
If the vehicle is off the road, make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
Have valid motor insurance – driving without it is a criminal offence.
Vehicles over three years old must pass an MOT test every year.
Learn more at www.gov.uk.
Key Points
- Britain’s legal rights come from historic documents like the Magna Carta and conventions.
- The Human Rights Act 1998 enforces the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Equality laws protect against discrimination based on protected characteristics.
- Domestic violence is a serious crime; help is available 24/7 at 0808 2000 247.
- FGM and forced marriage are illegal criminal offences.
- Income tax and National Insurance fund public services like roads, education, and NHS.
- Everyone working must pay NI and may need a National Insurance number.
- Driving requires a valid licence and following UK vehicle regulations including MOT, insurance, and vehicle tax.