Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows recent announcements on additional funding for the BBC World Service and concerns over closures of British Council offices.
What steps he is taking to help increase the UK's soft power. Last week, I met Moldovan MPs who valued the British Council's presence but it had to close due to funding cuts. Does the Minister agree that closing more offices would be detrimental to Britain's global influence?
The Foreign Secretary is establishing a new soft power council and providing £511 million in grant aid funding for 2022 to 78 countries. In an increasingly digital age, the British Council's impact should be judged by operational presence rather than physical one. The council retains a physical presence in over 100 countries.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly answer whether closing more offices would harm UK soft power
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor recently announced additional funding for the BBC World Service, highlighting the Government's commitment to UK soft power. The British Council office in Moldova closed due to funding cuts.
Does the Minister agree that it would be detrimental to Britain's place on the world stage if the British Council was forced to close more offices, particularly where British values of freedom and democracy are needed most?
The Foreign Secretary supports Moldova's democratic choice to pursue a path of independence. The FCDO provided £511 million in grant aid funding for 2022 to 2025, and the British Council retains a physical presence in over 100 countries despite operating more online.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly answer whether closing more offices would harm UK soft power
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question acknowledges the importance of the aid budget and refers to former US Defence Secretary Mattis's statement on development spend.
When it comes to soft power and development, I remind them of the words best articulated by former US Defence Secretary Mattis: 'If you cut development spend, you have to order more ammunition'. How will the Minister ensure that our aid budget does the job it needs to do?
The aid budget is crucial for national security and we work hard to ensure it is fit for purpose, contributing significantly across the world.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details on ensuring the aid budget is fit for purpose
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Europe is experiencing increased competition and intervention from Russia, affecting democratic processes in countries like Georgia and Moldova.
How will the Minister build on the efforts of the last Government and use our considerable soft power to be much more proactive?
The Foreign Secretary will launch a new soft power council with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in the coming weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy