The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 countries, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. It promotes cooperation, democracy, development, and good governance among its members. The Queen serves as the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth.

The European Union

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. The UK joined the EU in 1973 but left in 2020 following a referendum. EU law, in the form of directives, regulations, and framework decisions, was previously binding in the UK.

The Council of Europe

The Council of Europe, distinct from the EU, is a human rights organization with 47 member countries. It promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through conventions and charters, notably the European Convention on Human Rights.

The United Nations

The UK is a member of the United Nations (UN), a global organization established after World War II to prevent war and promote international peace and security. The UK holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which addresses international crises and threats to peace.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

The UK is a member of NATO, a military alliance of North American and European countries committed to collective defence. NATO aims to deter aggression and maintain peace among its members.