Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to contracts 282362/1023256 and 200894/796293, for what reason her Department’s average monthly expenditure on video production services from Sledge Ltd will rise from £7,533 in 2019-20 to £23,041 in 2022-24.

As part of its communications, the FCDO produces video content to explain the work of the department and communicate the foreign policy priorities set out in the Integrated Review. Videos produced centrally are shared on the FCDO social media channels, including embassy and high commission social media channels overseas.

Video is an impactful way to promote and explain foreign policy issues and we have boosted our professional video capability including at weekends. The increased value of the new contract also enables the FCDO to call on additional video production resources if required. The total value published online is a maximum figure and includes an optional third year 2024-2025.