Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the British Council’s international education programmes, including the International School Award, Study USA and UK–Ukraine school partnerships, on the UK’s soft power and diplomatic objectives.

The British Council plays a crucial role supporting the UK's interests around the world, supported by its work on UK education, as well its work to promote UK arts and culture, and the English language. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing over £160 million Grant-in-Aid to the British Council this financial year, which underlines our continued support for their important work.