During the citizenship ceremony, do new citizens pledge to uphold democratic values?

The citizenship ceremony is a really important moment, marking the end of a long journey for many people who want to call the UK home. Think of it as a formal welcome into British society, with certain promises expected from new citizens. One of the core principles of British life is its commitment to democratic values. These values, like freedom of speech, fair elections, and the rule of law, are what underpin the entire political and social system. So, when new citizens take their oath or affirmation, they are indeed pledging to uphold these democratic values. It's a public declaration that they understand and will respect the foundations of British society. This pledge is a symbolic act, but it's also a very real commitment to participate responsibly in the UK's democratic processes and to respect the rights and freedoms of others.