What rights and responsibilities do people have in the UK?
Watch this video to learn about rights and responsibilities in the UK, including the right to protection from discrimination and the right to speak freely about all topics in society.
What are our political rights and responsibilities in the UK?
We have different rights and freedoms depending on the country we are from.
The political rights people in the UK have are balanced by responsibilities:
| Rights | Responsibilities |
| The right to vote - In the UK, everyone over 18 years old and who is on the electoral register can vote in local council and UK Parliament elections and referenda. | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to accept the election results even if they disagree with the outcome. |
| The right to freedom of speech - In the UK, everyone has the right to speak freely about all topics in society. Including voicing criticism or support for the goverment. | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to refrain from using hateful or derogatory language about an individual or group in society. |
| The right to protest - In the UK, everyone can show their views in a number of different ways. From joining pressure groups to signing petitions to marching on the street and sharing views online and in person. | The responsibility people in the UK have is to keep within the law, avoid violence or intimidation and take part in any protest using peaceful methods. |
| Freedom of association - In the UK, people can join a political party, pressure group or trade union. | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to pay their fees to the organisation and to ensure they do not damage the group's name through poor language or behaviour. |
| Rights | The right to vote - In the UK, everyone over 18 years old and who is on the electoral register can vote in local council and UK Parliament elections and referenda. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to accept the election results even if they disagree with the outcome. |
| Rights | The right to freedom of speech - In the UK, everyone has the right to speak freely about all topics in society. Including voicing criticism or support for the goverment. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to refrain from using hateful or derogatory language about an individual or group in society. |
| Rights | The right to protest - In the UK, everyone can show their views in a number of different ways. From joining pressure groups to signing petitions to marching on the street and sharing views online and in person. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | The responsibility people in the UK have is to keep within the law, avoid violence or intimidation and take part in any protest using peaceful methods. |
| Rights | Freedom of association - In the UK, people can join a political party, pressure group or trade union. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | The responsibility people in the UK have, is to pay their fees to the organisation and to ensure they do not damage the group's name through poor language or behaviour. |
What are the differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK?
There are some differences in the rights and responsibilities we have in Scotland as opposed to the rest of the UK.
When it comes to political participation, everyone over the age of 16 and who is on the electoral register can vote in Scottish Parliamentary elections and local government elections.
In line with the rest of the UK, everyone over the age of 18 can vote in UK Parliamentary elections.