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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

UK Soft Power Council: Expenditure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 235, what programmes were funded under the Soft Power Hub in 2025-26.

Answer

The 2025/26 Soft Power Fund supported small-scale projects and events in 28 countries, including the UK - all with a view to building trust, attractiveness and alliances. For example, championing British food and drink in South Korea, film in Brazil, a standards conference in Brussels to promote UK values, establishing a UK-developed digital facility to connect Ghanaian Small to Medium Sized Enterprises with the international trade finance system, or women's participation in sport in Liberia. The Fund also amplified central programmes, such as the Government Art Collection, and supported research into soft power impact measurement and soft power innovative financing. In addition to the £2.45 million listed in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) accounts, the Fund contributed £1.25 million to the GREAT campaign.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20588
Session
2026-27
Related items
Subjects
Expenditure UK Soft Power Council
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk