The UK and International Institutions

This section covers the international organisations the UK belongs to: the Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and NATO.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of countries — most former parts of the British Empire, plus a few that weren't — that support each other and work together on shared goals in democracy and development, based on core values of democracy, good government and the rule of law. The King is its ceremonial head. It currently has 56 member states; the Commonwealth has no power over its members, though it can suspend membership.

The Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has 47 member countries, including the UK, and is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights across them. It has no power to make laws, but draws up conventions and charters — most notably the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The United Nations

The UK is a member of the United Nations (UN), which has more than 190 member countries. Set up after the Second World War to prevent war and promote international peace and security, the UN's Security Council has 15 members, who recommend action during international crises. The UK is one of five permanent members of the Security Council.

NATO

The UK is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if attacked, while working to maintain peace among all members.

Check That You Understand

• What the Commonwealth is and its role
• The other international organisations the UK is a member of