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UK Soft Power Council: Expenditure

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 7 September 2026UIN 20588

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 235, what programmes were funded under the Soft Power Hub in 2025-26.

Answered by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

The 2025/26 Soft Power Fund supported small-scale projects and events in 28 countries, including the UK - all with a view to building trust, attractiveness and alliances. For example, championing British food and drink in South Korea, film in Brazil, a standards conference in Brussels to promote UK values, establishing a UK-developed digital facility to connect Ghanaian Small to Medium Sized Enterprises with the international trade finance system, or women's participation in sport in Liberia. The Fund also amplified central programmes, such as the Government Art Collection, and supported research into soft power impact measurement and soft power innovative financing. In addition to the £2.45 million listed in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) accounts, the Fund contributed £1.25 million to the GREAT campaign.

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