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.

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.