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

Written Question
Soft Power
Tuesday 16th June 2026

Asked by: John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to promote UK soft power.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Soft power is fundamental to the UK's impact and reputation around the world. It builds relationships, promotes our values, and helps support our growth, prosperity and security.

The Government is determined to make maximum use of all our soft power assets towards these ends, and in particular, our continued support for the British Council and BBC World Service will enable them to maintain their outstanding work across the globe over the current spending review period.


Division Vote (Commons)
15 Jun 2026 - Royal Albert Hall Bill [Lords]: Revival - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 21 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 24 Noes - 37
MP Financial Interest
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Original Source (15th June 2026)
4. Visits outside the UK
International visit to China between 24 May 2026 and 29 May 2026

Division Vote (Commons)
10 Jun 2026 - Railways Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 89 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 155 Noes - 279
Division Vote (Commons)
10 Jun 2026 - Railways Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 87 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 278 Noes - 149
Division Vote (Commons)
10 Jun 2026 - Railways Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 88 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 266
Division Vote (Commons)
9 Jun 2026 - Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 84 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 157 Noes - 287
Division Vote (Commons)
9 Jun 2026 - Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 84 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 94 Noes - 297
Division Vote (Commons)
9 Jun 2026 - Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 80 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 90 Noes - 290
Division Vote (Commons)
9 Jun 2026 - Business without Debate - View Vote Context
John Whittingdale (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 79 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 356 Noes - 86