The UK and international institutions
The United Kingdom plays an active role in international affairs and is a member of many significant global and regional bodies. Understanding these institutions and the UK's relationship with them is an important part of knowing how Britain engages with the wider world.
The United Nations (UN)
The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation founded in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. Its purpose is to promote international peace and security, protect human rights, and encourage international co-operation.
The UK is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council:
- The United Kingdom
- The United States of America
- France
- Russia
- China
Permanent members have the power of veto — they can block any Security Council resolution.
IMPORTANT
The United Nations was founded in 1945. The UK is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council (alongside the USA, France, Russia, and China). Permanent members have the right of veto.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a military alliance founded in 1949. Its purpose is collective defence — an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.
The UK was a founding member of NATO. Headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.
NOTE
NATO was founded in 1949. The UK is a founding member. Headquarters in Brussels. Collective defence: attack on one = attack on all.
The Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 54 countries, most formerly part of the British Empire. The British monarch (currently King Charles III) is the head of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth promotes democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and trade co-operation. The Commonwealth Games are held every four years.
NOTE
The Commonwealth has 54 member states. The British monarch is its head. The Commonwealth Games are held every four years.
The Council of Europe and the ECHR
The Council of Europe (separate from the EU) was founded in 1949 and focuses on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It produced the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the ECHR into UK law, allowing people to use Convention rights in British courts without going to Strasbourg. The European Court of Human Rights is based in Strasbourg, France.
IMPORTANT
The Council of Europe (not the EU) produced the European Convention on Human Rights. The Human Rights Act 1998 brought these rights into UK law. The court is in Strasbourg.
The UK and Europe after Brexit
The UK was an EU member from 1973 until 31 January 2020, leaving after the 2016 Brexit referendum (51.9% voted to leave). After leaving, the UK:
- Is no longer part of the EU single market or customs union
- Has its own independent trade policy
- Has a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU
NOTE
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 following the 2016 referendum (51.9% leave). The UK maintains a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.
Key facts about The UK and international institutions for the Life in the UK test:
- UN — founded 1945; UK one of five permanent Security Council members (USA, France, Russia, China); all have veto power
- NATO — founded 1949; UK founding member; Brussels HQ; collective defence
- Commonwealth — 54 members; British monarch is head; Commonwealth Games every 4 years
- Council of Europe — founded 1949; ECHR; Human Rights Act 1998; European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg
- Brexit — 2016 referendum (51.9% leave); left EU 31 January 2020; Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Up next: Respecting the law — understand the legal system in the UK, your rights and responsibilities, and how the courts work.