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Culture: Soft Power

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 22 June 2026UIN 10987

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of cultural industries as a driver of soft power.

Answered by Ian Murray

The UK’s thriving cultural industries are one of our greatest soft power assets. Contributing approximately 6% to our GDP, they play a vital role in supporting economic growth and the UK’s international standing.

The UK is the world’s second-largest music exporter and the fifth-largest video game market with UK films commanding over a fifth of global box office revenues. Our design and publishing sectors are internationally recognised, whilst our visual arts market and theatre district are the largest in the world.

We are committed to supporting their continued success through the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

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