🇬🇧TBB
Chapter 5

Fundamental Principles

Core British values and fundamental principles

Table of Contents

Chapter 5: Fundamental Principles

Historical Foundations

Britain protects individual rights through a series of important historical documents:

  • Magna Carta (1215) -- established that even the monarch is subject to the law
  • Habeas Corpus Act -- protects individuals from unlawful detention
  • Bill of Rights (1689) -- established parliamentary supremacy and limits on royal power

The European Convention on Human Rights

The UK signed the European Convention on Human Rights in 1950. This was later incorporated into domestic law through the Human Rights Act 1998.

Key Rights Protected

The Convention establishes the following fundamental protections:

  • 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
  • Right to marry and found a family
  • Prohibition of discrimination
  • Right to peaceful enjoyment of property
  • Right to education
  • Right to free elections

Equal Opportunities

UK law prohibits unfair treatment (discrimination) based on:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Sex (gender)
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marital or civil partnership status

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can seek help from:

  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission (England, Scotland, and Wales)
  • Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

Domestic Violence

  • Domestic violence is a serious criminal offence in the UK
  • Partners who use violence or force sexual activity can face prosecution and imprisonment
  • It is not acceptable for anyone to be violent towards their partner, regardless of cultural background

Where to Get Help

  • Contact a solicitor (lawyer)
  • Contact Citizens Advice
  • Go to a refuge (a safe place to stay)
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • In an emergency, always call 999

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

  • FGM is illegal in the UK
  • It is a criminal offence to:
    • Practise FGM in the UK
    • Transport anyone abroad for the purpose of FGM
  • FGM carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison

Forced Marriage

  • Arranged marriages where both parties freely consent are legal
  • Forced marriage -- where one or both parties cannot freely consent -- is a criminal offence
  • Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been available since 2007 to prevent forced unions
  • Breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order can result in a jail sentence of up to two years
  • If you or someone you know is at risk, contact the Forced Marriage Unit or the police
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