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Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.


British Library: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of funding that her Department provides to the British Library, in the context of its industrial dispute with the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Answer

As an arms-length body of the department, the British Library’s funding is considered in the round as part of Spending Review arrangements and departmental business planning.

The British Library is operationally independent of government and the day to day management of the Library - including staff pay - is a matter for organisation to determine. DCMS is aware negotiations are taking place on this dispute and hopes for a speedy response.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
88182
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Industrial disputes Public and Commercial Services Union British Library
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk