Democracy in Scotland and the UK: Video playlist

The Human Rights Act of 1998 sets out the rights and freedoms of everyone in the UK. Alongside our own rights, we must be aware of our responsibilities to protect the human rights of others. So, everyone has the right to life but this is balanced by the responsibility not to harm or endanger other people’s lives. And we have the right to protection from discrimination balanced by the responsibility not to discriminate against each other. In the UK, we all have the right to speak freely about all topics in society, including voicing criticism or support for the government. But it is our responsibility to not use hateful or derogatory language about an individual or group in society. Everyone in the UK has the right to express their views in a number of different ways, from joining pressure groups, unions or political parties to signing petitions, marching on the street, and sharing views online and in person. There are some differences in the rights and responsibilities we have in Scotland as opposed to the rest of the UK. In Scotland, everyone over 16 years of age and who is on the electoral register has the right to vote in local council and Scottish Parliament elections and referenda. But voters must be over 18 years of age to take part in UK Parliament elections. Wherever they live, all voters have the responsibility to accept the election results, even if they disagree with the outcome.