In British English, "excuse me" and "sorry" are both commonly used, but they are used in slightly different contexts and have different meanings.
"Excuse me": In British English, "excuse me" is often used as a polite way to get someone's attention or to ask for something. For example, if you want to pass by someone in a crowded area, you might say "excuse me" to politely request permission to get through. It can also be used to apologize for a minor inconvenience, such as accidentally bumping into someone.
"Sorry": "Sorry" is used in British English much like it is used in American English. It is a common word used to express an apology or to show regret for something you have done wrong or caused inconvenience. In British culture, saying "sorry" is a significant part of politeness and social norms.
So, while both "excuse me" and "sorry" are used in British English, they have different purposes and are not used interchangeably. "Excuse me" is more commonly used to seek permission or attention, while "sorry" is used for apologizing or expressing regret.