The Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Culture, Media
and Sport have launched the UK Soft Power Council to drive UK
growth and security, in support of the government's Plan for
Change.
The UK ranks in the top three across all major soft power
indices, with global affinity for our culture and creative
industries, sport, education and institutions. The soft
power which these represent are a hugely important driver of UK
economic growth and security.
They deepen our relationships, build alliances and enhance
our global influence. But, until now, there has been no mechanism
to coordinate and amplify these sectors' impact.
The newly established Council will identify opportunities across
the sectors and industries represented where closer working
with government can advance our broader growth and security
objectives. It will drive greater impact through Government
campaigns and a systematic approach to the global foreign policy,
cultural and sporting calendars.
This comes as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
convenes today the Creative Industries Growth Summit and
announces that hundreds of cultural organisations and creative
businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a £60 million
funding boost to help them scale and grow, driving economic
opportunity into all parts of the country as part of the
Government's Plan for Change.
Foreign Secretary said:
“Soft power is fundamental to the UK's impact and reputation
around the world. I am often struck by the enormous love
and respect which our music, sport, educations and institutions
generate on every continent. But we have not taken a sufficiently
strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing
soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen
trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.
“That is why I have created the Soft Power Council to channel
British expertise as we look to re-imagine Britain's role on the
world stage, reinvigorate alliances and forge new
partnerships.
Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media
and Sport, said:
"From the Premier League and Peaky Blinders to Adele and the
BBC World Service, Britain's cultural exports showcase the best
of Britain around the world. When international investors look to
the UK, it is so often our iconic sporting events, performing
arts, media outlets and creative industries that make the UK such
an attractive place to grow and invest.
"We are determined to strengthen our soft power abroad, and
in turn deliver a major boost to our economy, as we focus on our
missions to create jobs and spread opportunity across the
UK."
, FCDO Minister for Latin
America and the Caribbean, Soft Power, and Devolution,
said:
“The UK's soft power is one of our greatest national assets.
It is a celebration of the best of British, and a key driver of
UK growth. Working with the GREAT campaign, this Council will
celebrate and maximise our best assets to support the growth of
the UK economy and the range of our international
priorities.”
Notes to editors:
- The Soft Power Council is an advisory board to the UK
Government that brings together top soft power and foreign policy
experts to shape the UK government's soft power strategy and
impact.
- Soft Power Council members are appointed by the co-chairs,
the Foreign Secretary and Culture Secretary . The Council is expected to
meet four times per year.
- More detail on the Council's remit and membership is
available on gov.uk
