To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 18 Nov 2021
British Council: Global Britain

"My right hon. Friend is absolutely right: when the Government are quite rightly talking about the importance of global Britain, it sends completely the wrong message to the world to close, in many countries, an organisation that represents the very best of British.

The irony of the situation is that …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council: Global Britain
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 18 Nov 2021
British Council: Global Britain

"First, I thank my right hon. Friend for his comments about those at the British Council, who will be heartened to hear what he says. I know it will not be strange to them, but it is nice to hear it from the Dispatch Box all the same. I concur …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council: Global Britain
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 18 Nov 2021
British Council: Global Britain

"I appreciate my right hon. Friend’s generosity in giving way again, but we have a little bit of time, without wishing to detain the House for too long. I accept what he has just said, because I know he is a decent fellow, but my worry is that this message, …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council: Global Britain
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 18 Nov 2021
British Council: Global Britain

"I thank my right hon. Friend for being generous in giving way. Of course I do not doubt his words, but what seems to be happening is a disconnect between Departments. This week in the House the Defence Secretary, who is a good man, said he thought it was more …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council: Global Britain
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 30 Jun 2021
Official Development Assistance and the British Council

"May I start by thanking the Backbench Business Committee for granting this aspect of today’s debate on the British Council, and, indeed, all those who supported our application?

Parliament will know that, since 1934, the British Council has promoted British culture and education and the English language abroad, and in …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: Official Development Assistance and the British Council
Written Question
British Council: Closures
Tuesday 29th June 2021

Asked by: John Baron (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the announcement of closures to the British Council's international network, The British Council's future: a message from Kate Ewart-Biggs, Interim CEO on 24 June 2021, whether he plans for there be further closures.

Answered by Nigel Adams

The Integrated Review reiterated our commitment to the British Council and it's valuable contribution to projecting UK soft power. We have underscored this commitment with the additional financial support we have allocated to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the Council - over £600 million since March 2020. This includes a 2021/22 grant in aid allocation of £189 million - a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21.

The British Council is further adapting to the digital age, with digital services already having expanded rapidly during the pandemic. The British Council will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture and education. We are not planning further closures. Decisions on future funding will be made as part of the upcoming Spending Review.

Written Question
British Council
Tuesday 15th June 2021

Asked by: John Baron (Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

If he will take steps to help prevent the closure of British Council offices overseas.

Answered by Nigel Adams

As my honourable friend knows, we agreed a 2021/22 Spending Review for the British Council settlement totalling £189m, a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21. Not only have we increased funding, we provided a rescue package during the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes immediate assistance of £26m at the start of the pandemic, a loan facility of up to £145m, and a further £100m loan to support restructuring. We also provided a Letter of Comfort to ensure the Council could meet its financial obligations. Alongside the British Council, we are reviewing physical Council presence in country as part of a wider modernisation process. These changes will be minimal. The impact of the Council in a digital age should be judged by its operational rather than physical presence. But I would remind him that despite the challenging economic climate, the Government is providing over £600 million since the pandemic hit to secure the Council’s future, demonstrating our commitment to the organisation.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 08 Jun 2021
British Council

"(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make a statement on British Council closures...."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 08 Jun 2021
British Council

"Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this urgent question. I also thank colleagues from all parties who are supporting our campaign and who signed the letter to the Prime Minister, and I thank the Minister for responding to the urgent question. Speaking as chair of the British Council all-party parliamentary …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: British Council
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 26 Apr 2021
ODA Budget

"My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the excellent work undertaken by arm’s length bodies such as the British Council in fostering better understanding and relations with other countries. We are indeed a soft power superpower. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that these ODA reductions do …..."
John Baron - View Speech

View all John Baron (Con - Basildon and Billericay) contributions to the debate on: ODA Budget