The lesson
At a citizenship ceremony, a new citizen makes a public commitment to the UK. The pledge brings together loyalty to the country, respect for its rights and freedoms, support for its democratic values, obedience to its laws, and a promise to fulfil civic duties.
The pledge connects citizenship with participation in society, the five principles, and everyday responsibilities.
The citizenship pledge commits a new citizen to uphold the UK’s democratic values, observe its laws, respect its rights and freedoms, and fulfil the duties of citizenship. The oath or affirmation concerns allegiance to the sovereign; the pledge concerns rights, values, and duties.
A new citizen can choose an oath or a non-religious affirmation of allegiance. This choice reflects freedom of belief. The present sovereign is King Charles III.