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Rights, Responsibilities, and International Membership
As a UK citizen or permanent resident, you have both rights and responsibilities.
Paying taxes is fundamental. Income tax is paid on earnings from employment, self-employment, and pensions. National Insurance contributions by workers and employers fund the State Pension and benefits. Council tax pays for local services. Value Added Tax (VAT), currently 20%, applies to most goods and services. Tax evasion is a criminal offence.
To drive in the UK, you must be at least 17. You need a valid driving licence obtained by passing both a theory test and a practical driving test. Licences are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You must also have valid motor insurance and an MOT certificate (vehicles over 3 years old).
You have a duty to perform jury service when summoned (ages 18-75, on the electoral register). Voting is a right, not a duty — but you should register and participate in elections.
Volunteering is highly valued — helping at charities, community groups, or neighbourhood watch schemes. Environmental responsibility includes recycling, reducing energy use, and respecting public spaces.
The UK is active internationally as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and a member of the Commonwealth (56 countries), the Council of Europe, the G7, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Being a good citizen means treating others with fairness and respect, obeying the law, and contributing to your community. British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance are the foundation of society.
VAT in the UK is 20%
You must be 17 to drive a car; you need to pass theory and practical tests; licences are issued by the DVLA
The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council
The UK is a member of NATO, the Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, the G7, and the WTO
Citizens should treat others with fairness and respect, obey the law, and contribute to the community
Từ vựng
Tax paid on earnings from employment and other income
Contributions by workers and employers that fund the State Pension and benefits
Value Added Tax — a tax added to most goods and services
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency — issues driving licences
North Atlantic Treaty Organization — a military alliance
A voluntary association of 56 countries
Tóm tắt bài học
- Taxes: income tax, National Insurance, council tax, and VAT (currently 20%); tax evasion is a criminal offence
- Driving: minimum age 17, must pass theory and practical tests, licence from DVLA, MOT required for vehicles over 3 years
- Jury service (ages 18-75) is a legal duty; voting is a right, not a duty, but you should register
- The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO
- Other memberships: the Commonwealth (56 countries), Council of Europe, G7, and WTO
- British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance