Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are taking steps to support and promote the Northern Ireland creative sector and universities in Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom's soft power strategy.

The Soft Power Council is working with the UK Government to develop and deliver a new Soft Power Strategy that will harness the strength of our soft power sectors - from universities and the creative industries, to sport, heritage and tourism - from all nations of the UK, including Northern Ireland, to craft a unifying, positive narrative that will raise the profile of our soft power assets and enhance our influence in the world. Plans are being developed for a future meeting of the Soft Power Council to take place in Northern Ireland - a moment to consider in particular the soft power opportunities for Northern Ireland.