Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to strengthen cultural links with Colombia.

Strengthening cultural relations is an important element of the UK's bilateral relationship with Colombia. We commend the admirable work of the British Council, which is leading a broad programme of work to build partnerships with Colombian artists and civil society through cultural exchanges. This includes skills-sharing and projects which use the arts to support Colombia's efforts to promote peace and social transformation across society. Working closely with Nesta, the Council is supporting creative entrepreneurs throughout Colombia. UK artists and writers participate in Colombian cultural events, notably through the Hay Festival Cartagena.