Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK maintains its influence on the global stage.

Global Britain is an ambition and vision that will help secure our national security, prosperity and influence. It is how we adjust positively to a changing world, demonstrating our resolve to remain a big and influential player. It is also how we show that our global engagement and leadership are fundamentally in the security and prosperity interests of the British people.

The UK's influence is based on an array of factors, including: the strength of our economy; our alliances and partnerships; UK military, diplomatic and development capabilities; our permanent membership of the UN Security Council; and, our broad soft-power assets. We will use these in a co-ordinated way to deliver the vision of Global Britain: upholding the essential rules of a peaceful world, working in partnership with old friends and new allies, projecting our values and advancing UK interests.

We are investing in the capabilities we need to drive forward this agenda. Our overseas network underpins our influence and we have recently announced a network expansion of around 10 sovereign missions, and at least 250 diplomats.

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