Historically in Britain, rights were handed down from above, where citizens were subjects with rights.  There have been distinctive cultures and identities from the celtic countries and a 'black' presence in England since the 16th century although class distinctions have remained rigid.

Modern citizenship practices in the UK are characterized by allowing diverse cultural practices to thrive in civil society.  All citizens are bound in the public sphere of life by the same set of laws and have formal equality irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, age or sexual orientation - allowing individuals to live their private lives as they see fit - but as such this confines multi-culturalism to the private sphere, a perspective that is heavily challenged.  Britain is also increasingly being seen as a 'community of communities', which acknowledges the importance of difference and stresses that the differing needs of citizens should be recognised and to be treated equally, account of this difference must be taken.  

So British society views that that it must be cohesive but also respectful of diversity with broad values in the national community that can respect differences between communities within the nation.  Loss of social cohesion thus undermines equality, demonstrated by 'race riots' in Burnley and Bradford in the summer 2001, caused by institutionalised segregation of English and asian communities (via housing and education etc).

Government response to the demands of equality and diversity have included proposals that English language and the values embodied in the European Convention of Human Rights should be two features to unite British citizens (and citizenship tests were introduced to this effect.)

With respect to gender, an Act allows positive strategies to be adopted to increase the representation of Women in public life.  This has included gender quotas (all-women shortlists) for election candidates, a very controversial measure although individual parties can choose whether or not to adopt this.

So to summarise, the British view of citizenship is in transition with a public recognition of difference being introduced to existing equality legislation, whilst actively asserting the responsibilities and cultural belonging of citizens.