Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to increase funding for the British Council, in the light of the UK's exit from the European Union and the British Council's role in, and potential for, developing strong relationships with future trading allies through cultural diplomacy and soft power.

The Government will continue to invest in the British Council, which plays a critical role in developing international cultural relations and delivering programmes around the world which support economic and social development; help strengthen institutions, good governance and civil society; encourage debate and dialogue; and develop creativity and the arts.

The British Council has worked successfully with European neighbours for over eighty years. We have no plans at present to increase grant funding to the British Council, but will continue to support them as they find ways to work in partnership with European countries and with EU institutions to create opportunities, build connections and engender trust.