Section 3

The UK and international institutions

1. The British constitution 2. The government 3. The UK and international institutions 4. Respecting the law 5. Fundamental principles 6. Your role in the community 7. The development of British democracy

The UK on the World Stage

Britain is an active member of several important international organisations.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary group of 56 independent countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire. Members include India, Canada, Australia, Kenya, and many Caribbean and Pacific nations. The King is Head of the Commonwealth.

The European Union (EU)

The UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973. In 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU — known as Brexit. The UK officially left on 31 January 2020.

Did You Know?

The UK was a member of the EU for 47 years. During that time, EU law applied alongside UK law, and UK citizens could live and work anywhere in the EU. All of that changed with Brexit.

Other International Memberships

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United Nations (UN)

The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

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NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Military alliance of 31 countries.

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World Health Organization

UN agency for global health.

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WTO

World Trade Organization. Sets global trade rules.

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Council of Europe

Promotes human rights. Created the European Court of Human Rights.

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OECD

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Quick Fact

The UK is one of only five permanent members of the UN Security Council (alongside the US, China, Russia, and France).

The European Convention on Human Rights

The European Convention on Human Rights was drafted after World War II to protect basic rights and freedoms. The UK was one of the first countries to sign it (1950). The Human Rights Act 1998 made the Convention part of UK law.